asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the advantages which would accrue to the United Kingdom if the proposals for completing the internal market submitted by Lord Cockfield were adopted; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have broadly welcomed the Commission's White Paper on completing the internal market and will work for quick adoption of those measures identified as priorities by the Milan European Council. This is a massive task but a genuine single market in goods and services is of vital importance in safeguarding our long term prosperity and in providing the basis of greater competitiveness with the USA and Japan.