§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Consumer Affairs Council held in Brussels on 13 April; and if he will make a statement. [80762]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Council unanimously adopted a Resolution welcoming the European Commission Consumer Policy Action Plan for 1999–2001. In an exchange of views on the Action Plan there was welcome for it and the importance it placed on integrating consumer concerns into other Community policies, in accordance with the Amsterdam Treaty.
During the orientation debate on the proposed Directive on the Distance Marketing of Financial Services, member states agreed on the need for a Directive, but there were differences as to its contents.
Spain called for action at Community level to restrict or ban the sale and marketing of videos and toys which encourage violent behaviour.
453WThe Netherlands suggested that the Community should consider the implications for consumers of the millennium bug.