§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been received from the US Administration in respect of the proposed REACH legislation in the EU. [171512]
§ Mr. RammellIn early 2003, during their regular meetings with officials from the British Embassy in Washington, officials from the United States Trade Representative raised their concern about the impact of the proposed Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation on the US chemicals industry and its trade with the EU.
Officials from the US Embassy in London have also requested general information regarding the proposed REACH legislation.
The UK Government are a strong supporter of the overall objectives of REACH. We want to see a rapid, efficient system for collecting the necessary information on chemicals and for tackling those of most concern, while minimising animal testing and maintaining the competitiveness of the chemical industry.