§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ban the use of anti-microbial disinfectants, impregnated mattresses and similar household goods. [56172]
§ Dr. HowellsI have no plans to ban these products. Anti-microbial disinfectants are within scope of the recently adopted Biocidal Products Directive which will introduce a European harmonised authorisation scheme for such products. A central aim of the directive, which is to be implemented in member States by May 2000, is to ensure a high level of protection for people and the environment.