§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what effect he anticipates the United States Toxic Substances Control Act will have on United Kingdom chemical exports to the United States; and what representations he is making;
(2) what representations the Government are making with regard to the effect of the United States Toxic Substances Control Act: and what joint action is proposed through the EEC to make the views of the member States on this subject known to the United States Government.
§ Mr. MeacherThe United States Toxic Substances Control Act will come into operation in January 1979. The detailed regulations for its implementation have not yet been published.
The Government consider that this Act constitutes a potential non-tariff barrier to trade and I am making efforts through the European Economic Community and 835W the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to ensure that the effect on trade is minimised. The European Economic Community is currently pursuing the matter with the United States authorities and the United Kingdom is playing an active role in the process.