§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to outlaw the testing on animals of ingredients intended for inclusion in cosmetic products. [16452]
§ Mr. George HowarthWe announced on 6 November that the Government wish to see an end to the testing of ingredients used in the types of cosmetics which could be classified as "vanity" products.
The definition of "cosmetics" in the European Directive goes beyond such "vanity" products and includes, for example, sun creams, anti-caries toothpaste and wart remover. Indeed, some products classed as cosmetics in Europe would be considered to be pharmaceuticals in other parts of the world. We do not intend to compromise consumer safety by banning the testing of such products until suitable alternative tests have been validated.
We are consulting with the Animal Procedures Committee, industry and other interest groups about the definition of "vanity" products and how to differentiate their ingredients from others used more widely. A decision on whether a ban on ingredient testing can be introduced and, if so, in what form, will then be taken.
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