§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects the EEC Council of Ministers to consider Council Document R/2203/76 of 24th September 1976 on the Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances; how it will be implemented in the United Kingdom; and when he expects such implementation to take place.
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§ Mr. John GrantDocument R/2203/76 was received by the Council of Ministers in September 1976 and is currently under active consideration by officials within the Council machinery. I do not expect the proposals to be adopted until further detailed discussion has taken place, but it is usual for directives concerning the control of dangerous chemicals to require implementation within 18 months of adoption. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment have powers to implement the majority of these proposals through regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after consultation with the Health and Safety Commission, and the Control of Pollution Act 1974, but may also need to invoke the European Communities Act 1972.