§ 20. Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take to control endocrine-disrupting chemicals. [47640]
§ Angela EagleUse of a number of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals under debate are already banned or restricted (for example, tributyltin, DDT). The risks from others are being assessed through the European Community Existing Substances Regulations (for example, nonylphenol, bisphenol A, several phthalates) which may result in the need for restrictions on their marketing and use.
International efforts are underway to agree guidelines by which endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be identified. When these are in place, the risks from chemicals identified as endocrine disrupters can be assessed and appropriate measures taken to reduce these risks if necessary on a precautionary basis.
My Department's forthcoming strategic review of the sustainable use of chemicals will examine policy on all chemicals in the environment, including endocrine disrupters. Earlier this year, the Environment Agency issued a consultation document proposing an Agency Strategy on endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This examined possible approaches within its duties and powers which could be taken by the Agency given the current uncertainties in our understanding of the issue. The consultation period ended on 30 April and the Agency will finalise its strategy by the end of the year.