§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport. and the Regions what is the timetable for consultation on the EU Directive relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers with more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and amending Directive 70/156/EEC. [21632]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonDuring the development of this proposed directive both the manufacturers and operators have been consulted extensively. The Government's position on the Commission's proposal has been described in an unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum which was submitted on 30 September and to which a corrigendum, number 9734/97, has since been issued on 11 November. The Commission's proposal will now be subject to detailed discussions by Member States and we will354W continue to consult interested parties throughout the negotiations. It is not possible to give a precise timetable for the completion of these negotiations.