British fury at "shoddy goods" slur

Emma Bonino: Outburst The Big mouths of Brussels Controversial EUCommissioner Emma Bonino was under attack last night after suggesting British manufacturers needed to boost the quality of their products. He outburst came after she unveiled a plan to "protect" consumers across Europe by doubling the length of guarantees on electrical goods, clothes and shoes to two years. Consumer Affairs Minister John Taylor Said Britain would fight the plan, which he claimed could cost firms 775million a year, triggering bankruptcies and job losses. Miss Bonino, who was recently forced to back down over plans to cut the British fishing fleet by 40 per cent, claims the move is intended to ensure consumers are not ripped off when they travel from one country to another.

The Italian consumer affairs commissioner said the only countries with anything to fear were those making shoddy goods. An aide added: "If the British figures for the costs of this measure are true, there must be a lot of faulty products in the UK." Furious employers insisted British goods were as reliable as any. Ministers suspect the plan is intended to force British firms to raise prices, opening the way for uncompetitive European goods to invade the home market.