§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council held in Brussels on 14–15 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [82242]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council on 14 November in Brussels.
Following on from the Nyborg Informal Council held in October, there was a debate about the structures needed to bring together the internal market, industry and research elements of the new integrated Competitiveness Council.
222WThere was a presentation by the Commission covering Better Regulation and its plans to improve the quality of European legislation.
There was a presentation by the Commission on the Internal Market Scoreboard, which shows progress towards achieving a single market. In particular, it reports member states' performance on transposing European single market directives into national law. The UK has a good record, being one of only five member states to meet the target that 98.5 per cent, of directives should be transposed on time.
A presentation on the joint work programme of three presidencies (Danish, Greek, and Italian) covered the internal market elements of the Competitiveness Council's work. Greece explained that in December they would present an integrated plan of their entire programme to the General Affairs Council.
Discussions on the Community Patent proposal, which aims to create a single EU-wide patent, continued but no conclusion was reached.
There was broad agreement for a common approach on a proposal to harmonise conditions under which computer programmes may be patented. The presidency concluded that the text should now await the European Parliament's first reading.
The Commission presented its new proposal for a Takeovers Directive.
There was an initial debate on the Free Movement Of Citizens Directive.
All member states welcomed the recently published Winter report on corporate governance.
The council welcomed the proposal for a directive on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications as part of the Lisbon agenda and there was considerable support for improved mobility within labour markets and more efficient recognition of qualifications. Delegations endorsed the consolidation, simplification, and rationalisation of current structures and legislation, a freer system for the cross-border provision of services, and improving information and support for migrants. Delegation also recognised the need to balance consumer protection and consumer choice. Discussions will continue at official level.
The Commission presented a proposal for a Consumer Credit Directive to replace and update the 1987 Directive. The Council welcomed the dossier and called for a thorough examination at official level.
The Commission gave a progress report on the consultation and work to date following the follow-up Communication to the Green Paper on Consumer Protection.
The following agenda items were approved with little discussion: conclusions for the Competitiveness Council's contributions to Sustainable Development, the Internal Market Strategy for Services, and the proposed Motor Insurance 5th Directive.