§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 30 June 1998,Official Report, column 90, what steps he takes to ensure the precautionary principle is applied to the chemicals identified as having, or suspected as having, endocrine disruptive qualities. [49204]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 7 July 1998]: A large number of chemicals are suspected of having endocrine disrupting properties. However as yet no agreed mechanism exists for identifying chemicals which actually cause endocrine disruption. International efforts are underway to agree guidelines by which endocrine disrupting chemicals can be identified. When these are in place and we are able to identify which chemicals are likely to cause endocrine disruption, appropriate action will be taken, including precautionary action where there are risks of serious harm to human health or the environment.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department takes to inform the Department of Trade and Industry of the dangers presented by endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their presence in consumer goods. [49156]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 7 July 1998]: The Department of Trade and Industry is advised on the health effects of chemicals used in consumer products, including those with endocrine disrupting properties, by the Department of Health.
544WThe Department of Trade and Industry is informed by the results of the research on endocrine disrupting chemicals sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and other Government Departments and Agencies.