§ Mr. DafisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the current regulatory safeguards on the use of PVC in toys for small children. [38300]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThere is no evidence that products have been marketed in the United Kingdom which breach the internationally accepted levels for phthalates. Under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 and the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 suppliers are under a statutory obligation to supply safe toys and other products intended for children and action can be taken against a supplier of such articles found to release unacceptable levels of phthalates.
359WI am most concerned to ensure that our children are not exposed to dangerous childcare articles and toys. The UK is therefore taking a lead in Europe in seeking to produce a more satisfactory test method for the release of phthalates.