The government also claims that environmental impact assessment already carried out as part of the process of gaining planning permission met EC standards.

The setting of EC standards is an example of where national interests are quickly interwoven into the fabric of the single market ideal.

However, the task of setting EC wide standards remains daunting and progress has been slow.

The cost of implementing EC standards is proving to be very serious for Britain's small and medium sized firms.

Secondly, the infrastructure, estimated to be 40-60 per cent below the EC average standard in some regions.

The main problem has been we haven't been able to come up to EC standards.

During this transition period, manufacturers must either conform to EC standards or to those of the importing country.

Some major reputable companies are already turning away goods which do not meet the EC standards.

Air and water pollution levels were such that EC standards could only be applied in stages.

London's total output may increase by 7 per cent, placing it in danger of breaching the EC legal standard.