§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Internal Market Council held in Brussels on 25 February; and if he will make a statement. [74198]
§ Mr. WilsonMy noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 25 February.
23WThe Commission introduced an open debate on the follow-up to the Single Market Action Plan since this expired at the end of 1998. There was general support for a follow-up which maintains political commitment by setting targets and deadlines for improving the operation of the Single Market, taking into account the needs of business and consumers. In an open debate on simplification, there was agreement that SLIM (Simpler Legislation in the Internal Market) was an important initiative, but more effort was required to deliver concrete results. The Council welcomed the Business Test Panel initiative, which is intended to improve consultation with business on the likely impact of selected legislative proposals.
The Council agreed Conclusions on the economic reform process agreed at the Cardiff Council under the UK Presidency. These identify priority areas for further development of the Single Market and are also designed to assist ECOFIN in their consideration of Broad Economic Policy Guidelines. The Commission presented a study carried out by the National Economic Research Associates on parallel imports; a debate on this will take place at the June IMC.
The Commission presented reports on: Community patents; a Green Paper on counterfeiting and piracy; and two directives on Third Country Nationals; and gave a progress report on Community design.
Over lunch, Ministers discussed the environment and the Single Market, and the Artists' Resale Right Directive. The Presidency concluded that in view of the remaining difficulties some member states had with the proposed Directive on Artists' Resale Rights, COREPER should examine this further with the aim of reaching early agreement.