HC Deb 08 July 1998 vol 315 c519W
Mr. Baker

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent advice her Department has issued to toy retailers in respect of toys containing phthalates. [49203]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 7 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 1 July 1998, Official Report, columns 214–15, on the use of phthalates in toys. Since that reply, the European Commission has issued a statement recommending that Member States take steps to ensure that the migration of phthalates from PVC child-care articles and toys on their markets do not exceed the limits proposed by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity, and Environment. I welcome the Commission's statement—it vindicates the approach the UK has taken in discussions with the Commission and other Member States. Manufacturers' and retailers' representatives are aware of the Commission's statement.