HC Deb 09 January 2002 vol 377 cc853-4W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the chemical industry on the implementation of the proposed amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard and Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. [25306]

Dr. Whitehead

While there have been no formal discussions at ministerial level, officials at the Health and Safety Executive have had extensive discussions with the chemical industry and with the relevant trade associations about the Regulations.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of the time scale for companies in the chemicals industry to implement the proposed amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. [25729]

Dr. Whitehead

The Health and Safety Commission has recently completed a public consultation exercise on these Regulations with a view to introducing them in the first half of 2002.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent representations he has received from companies in the chemical industry about the impact of the proposed amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. [25308]

Dr. Whitehead

The Health and Safety Commission has recently completed a three-month consultation exercise on these regulations and has received some 45 responses which are currently being analysed. I also received a letter about the proposed regulations from the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on behalf of a constituent.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the costs to the chemistry industry of implementing the proposed amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. [25307]

Dr. Whitehead

The Health and Safety Commission's recent consultative document, a copy of which is in the Library, contained an initial estimate of a range of costs and sought further information from consultees.