§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the co-ordination between Government Departments of scientific advice and policy development relating to dangerous chemicals. [106592]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government published a strategy on chemicals in the environment, "Sustainable production and use of chemicals: A strategic approach", in December 1999. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.
This strategy includes mechanisms for obtaining independent scientific advice and developing policy on dangerous chemicals in the environment in an open and transparent way with the assistance of a new Stakeholder Forum. This Forum will comprise representatives from all of the major stakeholders and will provide advice to Government on the assessment and management of chemicals in the environment. Government Departments, including those with responsibility for health and trade, will be represented on the Forum. Government Departments will continue to work together taking account of the advice from this Forum.