§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received on proposed EU regulation of chemicals. [153078]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department of Trade and Industry has received representations about the proposed legislation from a wide range of stakeholders, including the UK chemical industry and NGOs. My noble Friend the Minister for Science recently joined my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Environment, in a round-table discussion about this issue, which, in addition to industry and NGOs, also included representatives from the retail sector and trade unions.
The Government will shortly issue a public consultation paper, which will offer all interested parties a further opportunity to provide us with their views. There are also plans to hold a stakeholder conference during the consultation period.
The Government will continue to work with all interested parties to ensure the legislation is workable and delivers protection for human health and the environment. Representations from the UK and other member states have already helped to improve the proposal.