HC Deb 22 July 1997 vol 298 cc490-1W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the nature of the proposed directive on the protection of employees from chemical risks; what procedure it will be subject to; and if he will make a statement. [10201]

Angela Eagle

The proposed directive on chemical agents would establish minimum standards for the control of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. It is based on article 118A and is subject to the co-operation procedure. It will be a directive under the framework directive 89/391/EEC.

The UK has secured all its objectives on the proposal which reached political agreement at the Social Affairs Council on 27 June. It is likely to reach common position formally in September 1997 and then be subject to a second reading by the European Parliament towards the end of 1997.

The UK already has comprehensive regulations covering the health effects of chemicals—principally the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994—which is one of the most advanced regimes in Europe. The UK has therefore supported this proposal in principle, believing that it would fill an important gap in EU legislation and raise standards elsewhere in Europe.