§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the steps he is proposing to take to investigate the impact on farmers of the proposed used machinery directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighMy Department has conducted wide-ranging consultations with sectors likely to be affected by a directive on used machinery, including the farming industry. We have concluded that no such directive is necessary and that new controls in this area could impose heavy costs. Following firm opposition from the United Kingdom and other member states, the European Commission has not put forward its proposal to the Council.