§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government support a ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. [158496]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 23 April 2001]: The Government are seriously committed to ensuring the protection of animal welfare and to improving animal welfare standards. Currently the UK has a voluntary ban on animal testing for cosmetic products. The proposed 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive introduces a mandatory testing ban on cosmetic products and their ingredients throughout the European Union. If adopted, it will help advance the protection of animal welfare in every member state of the European Union.