HC Deb 13 July 1999 vol 335 cc123-4W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with owners of historic steam engine collections about the Pressure Systems Directive 97/23/EC; and if he will make a statement. [90843]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 12 July 1999]: My Department has received one representation about the Pressure Systems Directive 97/23/EC. The Department of Trade and Industry, as the lead Department dealing with the Directive, were consulted in replying.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville answered a similar written question about the Directive tabled by Lord Inglewood in another place on 7 July 1999, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 103–04. It is our belief that the historic steam preservation movement, which provides such a valued contribution to maintaining our engineering heritage, will not be faced with disproportionate costs as a result of the Directive.