asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will make a statement on the present situation with regard to the EEC draft directive on precious metals.

I understand that the Commission has recently announced its intention to withdraw its proposal for a directive in this field. The Government regarded this draft directive as unsatisfactory in a number of ways, notably that it would have led to reduced consumer protection in this area so far as the United Kingdom is concerned. I accordingly welcome the Commission's decision to abandon it.