§ Sir John WheelerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to continue the arrangement for the hallmarking of gold, silver and platinum articles by the established British Assay offices; and if he will make a statement on the European Commission's proposals on this.
§ Mr. LeighThe Government is firmly of the view that the British hallmarking system is the best means of protecting both consumers and traders in the precious metals field. The Commission has indicated that it does not intend to put forward proposals for a harmonised precious metals regime at this stage. We will, however, seek to ensure in any future negotiations on a common system that the principles enshrined in the British hallmarking system are maintained.