asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what attitude he is currently taking in the EEC Council of Ministers to the proposed directive COR (78) 449 on construction products; and what steps he is taking to ensure widespread public consultation within the United Kingdom construction and allied industries before any progress is made with these proposals.

This proposal is still being considered by the European Parliament and the EEC Economic and Social Committee, as well as by Select Committees of both Houses, and discussions have not yet begun in the Council of Ministers. We have, however, set up a briefing panel with the representative organisations of the industry which are particularly concerned, and other ad hoc consultation is taking place as necessary.