News from the council

PLANT THEFT ACTION GROUP (PTAG)

Bob Sutton, the Council's member on the PTAG, attended a Home Office meeting in July to discuss the final draft of a document to publicise the importance of theft prevention.

There is growing support for the philosophy behind the 7-point plant security guidance notes most of which referred to in the May issue of "Newsline". Whether this should be voluntary or mandatory has not yet been decided, but it was agreed that the successful operation of any scheme very much depended on co-operation from the insurance industry - as well as OEMs, users and the police/TER/DVLA.
To ensure the Home Office notes on this subject go to all member companies, they have the latest copy of the Federation's Product Guide so that all members will have an opportunity of commenting on the proposals before the official launch, which is scheduled for the autumn. Comments should be sent either to the Federation offices or Bob Sutton of Caterpillar(UK) or Bob Pendlebury of JCB (our representatives on the PTAG).

CECE CONGRESS 29 September 3 October 1999
TELFS-BUCHEN, AUSTRIA

Council agreed that the programme of workshops and product orientated section meetings could be of interest to many OEM member companies and a good UK input to all discussions was important if the UK wished to retain its influence in this important European organisation. If there are any issues that concern you at any of these meetings - such as World Trade, Statistics or Technical - please brief Federation staff.
CECE is undertaking a review of its activities and, as the Federation is doing the same, it would seem important that both organisations are heading in the same direction.
All members have received full details of the Congress programme. If any member is in doubt please contact David Barrell.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

At the Federation Council meeting on 21 July the following applications were approved :-

· Lewis Equipment Ltd, who manufactures retro-fit compact backhoes, loaders and the Badger backhoe loader were accepted as a Full Manufacturing Member. Please see article in "Services" for more details.

· Plant World, which publishes an important weekly magazine on second-hand and other machinery available for sale or hire, was accepted as an Affiliate Member and this increases our press representation to twelve.