§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration is being given by his Department to the effect on United Kingdom industry's competitiveness of failure of overseas governments to enforce measures to protect the national and global environment; and if he will support the introduction of agreed and enforced environmental standards on an international basis.
§ Mr. MacleanThe relationship between industrial competitiveness and environmental protection was the294W subject of a resolution agreed by the EC Council of Industry Ministers on 24 November, and of a communication from the Commission to that Council.
High environmental standards can increase the competitiveness of industry, as well as providing major new market opportunities. However, where necessary to reduce poor standards overseas undermining the competitiveness of certain sectors of United Kingdom industry, we would support action on an international basis.