§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the likely cost to manufacturers and consumers of replacing the British ring main fused square three-pin plug electrical system by the European round-pin system; and whether they will veto any proposals from the EC Commission to do SO.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Strathclyde)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. My department has commissioned an independent analysis of the costs and benefits for the UK. The final report from the consultants is expected to be received within a few weeks and will be published to form a basis for wider consultation.
The harmonisation at issue does not originate from the EC Commission. It has emerged from discussions in the relevant standards body, CENELEC. If a new standard were to be agreed it would be for the UK to decide whether to accept it or seek a derogation. It is uncertain whether a standard which emerged from this process would be enforced by a directive, but the Commission has made no formal proposal.