§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contributions are Greece, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Ireland and Luxembourg making to EC eco-labelling.
§ Mr. MacleanAll the member states of the European Community are involved in the eco-labelling scheme. All should by now, under the terms of the EC regulation, have set up competent bodies. A number are currently leading studies to develop further criteria for product groups. I understand that further studies by other member states are about to begin or are under consideration.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the criteria for the award of eco-labels for kitchen towels, toilet tissue, photocopier paper, writing paper, laundry detergents, paints and varnishes, washing machines, dishwaters, light bulbs, hair sprays, T-shirts, bed linen and batteries to be agreed by all EC states.
§ Mr. MacleanAs I told the House on 9 November,Official Report, column 724, we hope to have agreement on a range of products in the first part of next year.