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Iran (Aid)
Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of aid to Iran. [75350]
Clare Short: We do not have a programme of assistance for Iran. We do provide support to Iraqi and Afghan refugees in Iran, both bilaterally and through contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since April 1996, we have spent nearly £1.2 million bilaterally. We also provide emergency aid in response to natural disasters in the region.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Civil Aerospace Research
Mr. Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what forms of Government support are available for civil aerospace research in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) France and (c) Germany; and what level of funding was provided by each in 1997-98. [74533]
Mr. Battle: In the UK, the Civil Aircraft Research and Technology Demonstration (CARAD) Programme supports long-term research in key aeronautics technologies by providing grants for industry and for funding work undertaken at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) or placed by DERA in industry and universities. In 1997-8, funding totalled £24.6 million. Additionally, in the three years ending 1997-98, £12 million was targeted through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) industrially led Innovative Manufacture Initiative (IMI) Aerospace Programme. For further information about the EPSRC programme, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 7 December 1998, Official Report, columns 67-68.
For France, our best estimate of expenditure in 1997 (calendar year) on CARAD--equivalent support is about £50 million. For Germany, our best estimate for 1998 (calendar year) is about £90 million.
Mr. Chidgey:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies and academic establishments have received funds through the CARAD programme in (a) 1997-98 and (b) 1998-99; what areas of research have been sponsored by the programme; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of the programme. [74532]
Mr. Battle:
In 1997-98, 47 companies and 22 universities received CARAD funds; similar numbers are expected to receive funds for the financial year 1998-99. Areas of research sponsored include aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials and structures, aircraft systems and rotorcraft (which was subject to a moratorium
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on new support from February 1998). Copies of the CARAD Annual Report for 1997-98 have been placed in the Library of the House.
The research programmes supported by CARAD over the years have made a significant contribution to the technological competitiveness of our industry, including wider benefits outside aeronautics.
Mr. Cotter:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which fire retardant chemicals are authorised for use in consumer goods in the United Kingdom. [74956]
Dr. Howells:
There is not an authorised list of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer goods. The use of chemicals is governed by "The Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994", as amended, and "The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) (Consolidation) Regulations 1994", as amended.
A recent report by the University of Surrey for the Department of Trade and Industry on "Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products" gives an indication of the types and quantity of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer products. A copy of this report is available in the Library.
Mr. Dalyell:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 21 January 1999, Official Report, column 547, on researchers, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting of the new RCI steering group. [72896]
Mr. Battle:
The new group has its first meeting on Thursday 18 March. I understand that the Minister for Science would be pleased to consider making a response to the meeting's outcome.
Mr. Nigel Griffiths:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 89, when he expects to place the final firework safety figure for 1998 in the Library. [75183]
Dr. Howells
[holding answer 5 March 1999]: A summary report of the 1998 injuries is being sent to the printers and copies will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as they are available. I will inform the House when this has been done. The full report, complete with analytical tables, should be available in mid-April and copies will be placed in the Library.
Mr. Hood:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Internal Market Council held in Brussels on 25 February; and if he will make a statement. [74198]
Mr. Wilson:
My noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 25 February.
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The Commission introduced an open debate on the follow-up to the Single Market Action Plan since this expired at the end of 1998. There was general support for a follow-up which maintains political commitment by setting targets and deadlines for improving the operation of the Single Market, taking into account the needs of business and consumers. In an open debate on simplification, there was agreement that SLIM (Simpler Legislation in the Internal Market) was an important initiative, but more effort was required to deliver concrete results. The Council welcomed the Business Test Panel initiative, which is intended to improve consultation with business on the likely impact of selected legislative proposals.
The Council agreed Conclusions on the economic reform process agreed at the Cardiff Council under the UK Presidency. These identify priority areas for further development of the Single Market and are also designed to assist ECOFIN in their consideration of Broad Economic Policy Guidelines. The Commission presented a study carried out by the National Economic Research Associates on parallel imports; a debate on this will take place at the June IMC.
The Commission presented reports on: Community patents; a Green Paper on counterfeiting and piracy; and two directives on Third Country Nationals; and gave a progress report on Community design.
Over lunch, Ministers discussed the environment and the Single Market, and the Artists' Resale Right Directive. The Presidency concluded that in view of the remaining difficulties some member states had with the proposed Directive on Artists' Resale Rights, COREPER should examine this further with the aim of reaching early agreement.
Mr. Maclean:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made, pursuant to European Communities State Aid Examination 1999/C 28/05, on Ente Poste Italiane; and if he will make a statement. [75083]
Mr. Wilson:
My right hon. Friend has made no representations on this case. The Government intervene in cases only where substantive legal or policy issues are raised. The Commission has exclusive competence to take decisions on state aid.
Miss McIntosh:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the ability of British university lecturers to find employment at French universities; and if he will make a statement. [74403]
Mr. Wilson:
My Department has received no representations on this subject.
Miss McIntosh:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the ability of British teachers to find teaching positions in German schools; and if he will make a statement. [74398]
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Mr. Wilson:
Since 1 May 1997, my Department has received written representations from 10 teachers concerning difficulties involved in obtaining recognition in Germany of their UK Qualified Teacher Status.
My officials have, where appropriate, taken up individual complaints with the German authorities and the European Commission, with a view to ensuring that Germany complies fully with its Single Market obligations in this respect. My officials also provide more general continuing advice, assistance and support to British-trained teachers in their dealings with the German authorities.
Mr. Laurence Robertson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) United Kingdom and (b) European legislation regulates the sale of secondhand goods; and if he will make a statement. [75010]
Dr. Howells:
Consumers have the same rights in UK law when they buy secondhand goods as when they buy new ones. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 requires goods sold by traders to be of satisfactory quality. The test of quality is what a reasonable person would find satisfactory, taking into account the price, how the goods are described and other relevant factors such as age. If, taking account of these considerations, a buyer finds the goods are not of satisfactory quality when he initially examines or tries them out, he can reject them and seek a refund. If a fault, of which the buyer could not reasonably be unaware when he bought the goods, manifests itself after he has accepted the goods he is entitled to claim compensation (such as the cost of repair or money back). The buyer can claim compensation for up to six years after purchase in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and up to five years after the goods have caused loss in Scotland.
Traders selling new or second hand goods must also comply with general consumer protection legislation, such as the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
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