§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the extent to which toilet soaps will be included within the terms of reference of the regulations relating to the Biocidal Products Directive. [146307]
§ Mr. MeacherGenerally, toilet soaps are controlled under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996. However, some manufacturers make specific biocidal claims on their soap products.
The forthcoming Biocidal Product Regulations will exclude cosmetic products from scope. Cosmetics are defined as products which "exclusively or mainly" perform certain functions among which is cleaning the skin. Where a cosmetic product has a minor use as a biocide, it will be excluded from the forthcoming Biocidal Products Regulations.
The Environment Directorate of the European Commission (DG Env) has produced a discussion paper revisiting the interface between the Biocidal Products and Cosmetic Products Directives, and suggesting a different view from the current UK position. If DG Env's position gains wide support among member states it could ultimately lead to the need to amend the Biocidal Products Regulations.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for consultation with representatives of soap and detergent manufacturers on the forthcoming regulations relating to the Biocidal Products Directive. [146308]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has led for the Government on implementing the Biocidal Products Directive in Great Britain. A full public consultation on implementing Regulations was carried out in the second half of 1999. During the last five years HSE officials have regularly met with trade associations representing the biocides industry, including the Soap and Detergent Industry Association. They and the Department 15W of Trade and Industry continue to have informal discussions with representatives of the soap and detergent manufacturers.