§ 29. Mr. LuffTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress being made with the completion of the single market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamProgress on completing the Commission's White Paper is good, with over 90 per cent. 251W of the measures agreed by the member states. Under the United Kingdom presidency we are seeking agreement, where possible, on the remainder, although it is recognised that some have a low priority and that agreement will not be reached on all. There has, in addition, been agreement on a large number of other measures, not included in the White Paper.
These measures should offer major benefits for industry enabling British firms to offer a wide range of goods and services throughout the Community unimpeded by different national rules, standards or testing practices.
However, these benefits will be felt only if there is effective enforcement of these rules in all member states. To this end, the United Kingdom presidency has initiated and obtained agreement on a resolution on making the single market work. This lays down practical steps to ensure the effective appliction, operation and enforcement of EC legislation in all member states.