Vol. 417 No. 2
79 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the progress that he has made in the implementation of consumer policy in the Single Market; if he will outline the matters in the Third Action Programme that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have implemented the following consumer protection measures which are related to the development of the Single Market: The Liability for Defective Products Act, 1991 (No. 28 of 1991); European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) (Amendment) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 228 of 1991); European Communities (Food Imitations) (Safety) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 265 of 1991); European Communities (Materials and Articles intended to come into Contact with Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 307 of 1991); European Communities (Indication of Prices of Foodstuffs and Non-Food Products) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 329 of 1991); European Communities (Safety of Toys) Regulations, 1990 (S.I. No. 32 of 1990); European Communities (Cancellation of Contracts Negotiated away from Business Premises) Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 224 of 1989) and European Communities (Misleading Advertising) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 134 of 1988).
In addition, proposals for primary legislation to implement Directive 87/102/EEC on Consumer Credit and Regulations implementing Directive 89/396/EEC on lot-marking of foodstuffs are at an advanced stage of preparation.
I assume that the Deputy is referring, in the second part of his question, to the EC Commission's Three Year Action Plan of Consumer Policy 1990-1992. Under this plan, the Commission has brought forward proposals: to rationalise and improve food labelling requirements; to encourage comparative advertising; to ensure greater transparency in the provision of insurance services; to extend the rapid exchange of information system; on the liability of suppliers of defective services; prohibiting the use of unfair terms in consumer contracts; controlling "mail-order" and similar "distance selling" techniques and controlling time-share selling.
A Council decision has been made on the rapid exchange of information system. The other Commission proposals are under discussion under the aegis of the Council.
In addition, a common position was agreed by Ministers on 18 December 1991 on the draft Product Safety Directive.
