§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with her US counterparts concerning European regulations on the chemicals industry; and if she will make a statement. [168896]
§ Jacqui SmithMy officials have participated in discussions with US counterparts about EU regulations on the chemicals industry. This has included proposals for new regulations controlling the manufacture, use or import of chemicals into the EU, known as the REACH system (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). The Government consider it essential that the new system be compatible with member state and EU commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), relevant multilateral environment agreements such as the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions, the Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling and with other existing complimentary1152W legislation. The Government are committed to continuing dialogue with our trade partners on this issue.