§ Ms ShortTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the effect of EU regulation of the jewellery industry on the position of British manufacturers in the foreign market; what review he is conducting; and if he will make a statement. [40751]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansI have been asked to reply.
I am not aware of any EU regulations pertaining to the jewellery industry which substantially affect the position of British manufacturers in foreign markets. The Government have listened carefully to the views of British jewellery manufacturers during negotiations on the proposed directives on the marking of articles of precious metal and on nickel in jewellery, and to their concerns 318W about the implications for Hallmarking Act 1973 of the judgment of the European Court in the Houtwipper case ECJ 293/93.