§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what study he has made of(a) excessive costs to consumers, (b) costs to the plug manufacturers and (c) safety problems arising from the imposition in Britain of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation—CENELEC—standards for electrical plugs and wiring.
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§ Mr. SainsburyMy Department has commissioned an independent analysis of the costs and benefits for the United Kingdom, including consumers and plug manufacturers, of the proposed harmonisation. The final report from the consultants will be published shortly to form a basis for wider consultation. My Department is participating in the CENELEC discussions to ensure that United Kingdom consumer safety is not compromised.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to revise plug and socket safety regulations; what representations he has received from the EC Commission about the proposal to require all electrical appliances to be sold with plugs; what evidence he has of safety hazards if they are not so sold; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe announcement last year by the then Minister for Consumer Affairs of the intention to introduce regulations that would require most domestic appliances to be fitted with a plug before they are supplied to a consumer has been welcomed, although the European Commission has sought clarification on the possible impact on intra-Community trade. I am hopeful that these matters will be resolved shortly.
Each year an average of three people die because of an incorrectly fitted plug and 300 people require hospital treatment for injuries received from fitting plugs to electrical appliances.