§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she will lay the European Draft Regulation on the Car Block Exemption before Parliament; [37100]
(2) when she expects the draft Regulation on the Car Block Exemption to be adopted and published by the European Commission; what the length is of the consultation period to be held; who will be consulted; and what form the consultation will take. [37101]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe European Commission adopted a draft regulation on 5 February, and communicated it in confidence to member states. Following an initial discussion with member states on 7 March, the Commission will publish the draft on its website and in the "Official Journal of the European Communities". The consultation period will be not less than one month. As well as member states, the Commission will also formally consult the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee, and will invite any other interested parties to submit their views.