§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has met representatives of the Body Shop to discuss their campaign for a ban on animal testing of finished cosmetic products within the EC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighThe Department's consumer safety unit is considering with the industry's trade association what can be done to reduce animal testing of cosmetics. It has informed the Body Shop that when the unit has the views of the industry as a whole they will be pleased to talk to individual companies.
§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects discussions to take place within the EC Council of Ministers on the draft Cosmetics and Toiletries directive COM (96) 488; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighThe European Parliament is expected to give its opinion on the proposed sixth amendment to the Cosmetics Directive in February. Meanwhile work has been continuing in the Council working group to agree a draft for submission to the Council of Ministers which is expected to be taken forward in the new year under the Portuguese presidency.