HL Deb 13 March 2001 vol 623 c85WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their priorities for inclusion in the anticipated European Union White Paper on chemicals policy. [HL781]

Lord Whitty

Her Majesty's Government started the review of chemicals policy during its Presidency of the European Union in 1998. The White Paper on chemicals policy was published in February. Member states will respond to the White Paper's proposals in forthcoming Council working group discussions. The Swedish Presidency aims to achieve agreement of Council conclusions by June. These will provide the basis for the European Commission to develop proposals for new legislation. Her Majesty's Government aim to include a number of important principles in the Council's conclusions.

First, it is important to gather essential information on existing chemicals by agreed deadlines, giving equal emphasis to human health and the environment. Industry must have an increased role in assessing the hazards and risks posed by their chemicals. In gathering information, some animal testing will be necessary, but it must be minimised. Data sharing must be encouraged, and the European Union should therefore work with existing international initiatives to collate information on chemicals so as to avoid duplication of testing.

Secondly, there must be a clear timetable and mechanism for decision-making and action on chemicals that pose an unacceptable risk. It is important to avoid a bureaucratic procedure that involves large-scale routine and unnecessary testing and which fails to make timely decisions once concerns have been identified.

Thirdly, the public must also have a right to know what chemicals are in products and the risks they pose. Manufacturers and downstream users should have the responsibility to provide information to their customers about chemicals.

Chemicals are crucial to society. It is important to balance the need to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment with the need to maintain a competitive UK and EU chemicals industry in a challenging global market. Innovation to replace chemicals that pose unacceptable risks must be encouraged.