§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to European Union proposals affecting the hallmarking of silver; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 2 December 1994]: In negotiations on the proposed European Union directive, the Government continue to argue for the preservation of traditional third-party hallmarking arrangements for precious metals, including silver. The Government are opposed to the principle of manufacturers' marking, which would also be allowed under the directive as drafted.