§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those EC member states that have indicated they will continue with national eco-labelling.
§ Mr. MacleanI understand that France, Germany and the Netherlands are currently continuing with national eco-labelling schemes.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list those environmental organisations that have been involved in eco-labelling consultation;
(2) what percentage of the market will be required for qualification in each of the markets under consideration by the United Kingdom Eco-Labelling Board; and if he will list them;
(3) if he will include in the environmental impact statement for eco-labelling of product contents the effect of sourcing of ingredients on third world cultures and ecosystems as well as the presence of volatile organic compounds;
(4) what studies he has made of the different energy mixes used in manufacturing throughout the European Community when developing eco-label criteria for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanThe United Kingdom Eco-Labelling Board has been established to administer and promote the European Community eco-labelling scheme nationally and has responsibility for dealing with the operational aspects of the scheme. I have therefore asked the board to reply to my hon. Friend direct.
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§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps is taking to encourage the European Commission to issue clear guidelines on eco-labelling.
§ Mr. MacleanWe have consistently pressed the European Commission to implement the scheme as quickly as possible and to issue whatever guidance may be required.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has made of the effectiveness of eco-labelling as opposed to fiscal measures on(a) energy use sources, (b) waste disposal, (c) incentives for energy efficiency, (d) tax breaks for recycling or re-use or (e) tax breaks for clean of non-renewable technology.
§ Mr. MacleanThe eco-labelling scheme aims to create a market advantage for manufactures and retailers who make and stock greener products. The scheme is a European Community commitment and it is complementary to any fiscal measures which might be taken in particular sectors.