To ask the President of the Board of Trade what moves have been made towards the creation of a standing committee on standardisation, pursuant to COM(96)642; and if she will make a statement. [6094]

The proposal presented by the European Commission for a European Parliament and Council Directive laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (codified version)—COM(96)642—consolidates the text of Directive 83/189/EEC as amended by Directive 88/182/EEC and Directive 94/10/EC. The Standing Committee established under Directive 83/189/EEC meets on a regular basis. At least twice a year it also meets with representatives of the European and national standardisation bodies.