HC Deb 08 December 1999 vol 340 cc567-8W
Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to stop the practice of hairdressers administering dental whiteners illegally. [101190]

Mr. Byers

We are not aware of this practice of hairdressers supplying dental whiteners. However, if a hairdresser supplies to consumers dental whitening products which are contrary to the Cosmetics Regulations, then this act of supply would be prohibited under those Regulations regardless of the use the whiteners may be put to.

Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to secure a revocation of the EU Directive on dental whiteners; and if he will make a statement. [101192]

Mr. Byers

There is no EU Directive on dental whiteners. These are controlled under the Cosmetics Directive. A review of the provisions of the Cosmetics Directive as they apply to tooth whiteners is currently under way.