§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations she has had with small business and retail organisations about the possible exemptions they may enjoy from the terms of the EU price indications directive. [50111]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 13 July 1998]: In June 1997 my Department conducted wide public consultations, including with small business and retail organisations, about the new Price Indications Directive. This specifically invited views on the exemption from unit pricing which Member States may apply to small retail busineusses.
Since then my officials have met representatives of retail organisations, including those representing small retailers, to discuss the implementation of the Directive, including possible exemptions which we may introduce.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will exempt small retail businesses from the provisions of the EU directive on the indication of prices of products offered to consumers. [50117]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 13 July 1998]: Subject to the result of consultations with interested parties, including retailers' organisations and small business organisations, to be carried out later this year, it is my intention to exempt 208W small retail businesses from the requirement to display unit prices for products other than those sold loose from bulk, in accordance with Article 6 of the new Price Indications Directive (98/6/EC). The consultations will also cover other aspects of the Directive relevant to small retail businesses.