To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action the Government is taking to ensure that the Energy Using Products Directive does not have an adverse impact upon UK plants’ manufacturing control systems. (186676)

[holding answer 18 February 2008]: The Eco-design for Energy Using Products Framework Directive (EuP) aims to deliver EU objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the negative environmental impacts of products and to ensure free trade in energy-using products. It is a Single Market Directive brought forward under article 95 of the EU treaty.

The EuP framework has involved a wide range of consultation and interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on the Commission’s initial proposals at the EU consultation forum on 29 February or in writing up to three weeks after that.