§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses he has received on the review of the United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board; and how many were in favour and how many against a United Kingdom scheme. [30978]
§ Angela EagleMy Department has invited views from over a hundred organisations and individuals as part of the review of the United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board, which is still in progress. As well as a written consultation exercise, the review includes detailed interviews with over 30 interested organisations and individuals. The review addresses a number of important issues connected with ecolabelling—including the question of whether the United Kingdom should have its own award scheme, which is attracting interest from those responding to consultation. The Government should be in a position to announce the outcome of the review in April. A copy of the report, and of the written responses to the consultation exercise, will be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement regarding the latest European Commission proposals to revise ecolabelling regulations. [30787]
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§ Angela EagleThe European Commission's Proposals for revising the Regulation on the EU ecolabelling award scheme has been discussed over the last year in meetings of competent bodies and national experts from the member states. It is currently being considered by the Committee of the European Parliament. Last week the Proposal was tabled by the UK Presidency for consideration by the Environment Working Group. These processes have revealed several aspects of the Proposal which would need substantial review before agreement on a new Regulation could be reached.