§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the harmonisation of plug and socket installations to a common European standard; if the European unfused electrical plug is under consideration; what steps will be taken to avoid confusion by the public over differing safety standards; and who is to bear the costs of changing plugs and sockets in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SainsburyNo decision has been taken to change the standard for plugs and sockets in the United Kingdom. Although the plug standards which are currently under discussion in CENELEC, the body responsible for electrical standards in Europe, do not incorporate a fuse, there are other means of providing an equivalent level of protection. My Department has commissioned an independent analysis of the costs and benefits for the United Kingdom, and the results of this study will be published in the new year. In assessing whether any change to our present standards might be desirable at some future date full account will be taken both of consumer safety issues and of the cost implications for consumers and industry.