HC Deb 11 June 1974 vol 874 cc1391-3
8. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to hasten the implementation of Article 6 of the EEC draft directive No. 67/548, 1967 on the marketing of hazardous products; and what interim steps he is taking to implement the objectives of Article 6.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Harold Walker)

Directive 67/548 is an adopted directive concerned with the labelling of industrial chemicals which will make a useful contribution to the improvement of industrial safety. My Department is therefore anxious to implement it as quickly as possible. However, a number of important amendments are being prepared by the European Commission in order to bring the directive up to date and make it more effective. My Department is playing an active rôle in this work, in consultation with all major United Kingdom organisations which have an interest. Steps will be taken to implement the directive as soon as the major amendments have been agreed.

Mrs. Oppenheim

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply illustrates the futility of transferring to his Department responsibility for the marketing, labelling and packaging of hazardous consumer products, which were the subject of my Question? What is more, I know what the remainder of the directive is about. Is the hon. Gentleman aware, further, that more than 8,000 children a year are admitted to hospital, some of whom are maimed and others of whom die, as a result of the sale of these hazardous products? Are not we lagging behind other countries with regard to precautions such as protective packaging and adequate warning labels? What is the view of the hon. Gentleman's Department about the report of the Sub-Committee on Social and Economic Affairs of the EEC on future amendments to the directive?

Mr. Walker

The hon. Lady is aware that amendments are being considered by the EEC. Therefore, having regard to the enormous amount of time and expense involved in the basic redesigning of labels, we believe that it is advisable to wait for the amendments to be decided. I think that the hon. Lady overlooks the fact that the directive does not deal with medicinal products.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Molloy.

Mr. Molloy rose—

Mrs. Oppenheim

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory and derisory nature of the Minister's replies, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

Mr. Molloy

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. If I am correct, I understood you to call me, and my supplementary question ought not to have been precluded by the hon. Member for Gloucester (Mrs. Oppenheim).

Mr. Speaker

If an hon. Member raises a point of order of the kind that the hon. Member for Gloucester (Mrs. Oppenheim) has done, I am afraid that it shuts out further supplementary questions.