HC Deb 27 November 1995 vol 267 cc428-9W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will estimate the number of jobs in the United Kingdom arising from the implementation of the proposed European Union distance selling directive; and if he will make a statement. [2063]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

My Department has consulted interested parties on the cost of complying with the proposals tabled in the directive with a view to establishing the potential burden on business, and the extent to which they provide necessary consumer protection. We are content that the common position achieves a satisfactory balance, and we have not been made aware of any potential job losses.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the European Union regarding the distance selling directive; and if he will make a statement. [2062]

Mr. Evans

A European Commission proposal for a directive on distance selling has been under negotiation since 1992. We have participated fully in negotiations in the Council of Ministers and its working group on this matter, and are, as a result, content with the common position adopted in June 1995.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on mail ordering and telemarketing sales techniques and the effects on British industry of possible changes in the rules governing telemarketing by the distance selling directive. [2064]

Mr. Evans

The Government are concerned that the European Parliament may vote for a proposal to make prior consent from consumers obligatory before unsolicited telephone sales calls can take place, and for other proposals which will prevent distance selling businesses from operating flexibly and efficiently. We have briefed Members of the European Parliament about United Kingdom concerns over the potential impact on industry and will be making further representations.