§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps his Department has taken to put into effect the proposals contained in the model trade association paper. [29657]
543W
§ Mr. PageThe best practice guide for the model trade association was developed by the DTI in consultation with trade associations and other representative bodies including the Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors, the Engineering Employers Federation and the Federation of Small Businesses.
It is for trade associations to reach decisions about putting the guide into effect. I and my colleagues and officials are, however, actively encouraging adoption of the model through discussions with individual associations. We are also supporting a benchmarking club which aims to set benchmark standards against which trade associations may measure their performance in the various areas covered by the model.