§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the substances on the proposed EEC negative list for cosmetics correspond to or differ from the poisons lists in regard to cosmetics at present operating in this country; and when it is expected that the EEC negative list will be mandatory in Great Britain.
§ Dr. SummerskillSuch a comparison has not yet been undertaken because the negative list attached to the draft EEC directive is not yet in its final form. The directive will not prejudice the general operation of the Poisons List in the United Kingdom, although the latter may need slight modifications, once the directive is in force, in respect of substances likely to be used in cosmetics. The directive will not be implemented in this country until it has been approved by the Council of the EEC. I cannot say when This will be.
§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made by United Kingdom representatives in EEC discussions on cosmetics regulations, as to the desirability of a permitted list of substances; and what progress has been made towards this end.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe United Kingdom representatives have expressed sympathy with the idea of such a list but have recognised that, except at the risk of considerable delay, it would be impracticable to base the EEC directive on a comprehensive permitted list. Meanwhile the Council of Europe is working out a positive approach to the control of cosmetics which may in due course lead to a change in the directive.