§ Jonathan ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 22 September, on the EU chemical policy, what impact the outcome of the e-mail consultation will have on the Government's stance. [134241]
§ Alun MichaelThe Government strongly supports the development and delivery of an effective EU chemical policy. We have three overarching objectives for the proposals:
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- creating a fast, efficient and workable process of testing, screening and assessing substances of concern, starting with the most harmful, because of their impact on human health or the environment;
- keeping animal testing to the minimum necessary to protect human health and the environment; and
- maintaining or enhancing the competitiveness of the chemical industry and downstream users.
Details of the Government's response to the European Commission's internet consultation can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/reach/ukresponse.pdf
Following the Commission's consultations in May-July this year, the Commission has indicated its intention of making a number of changes to the proposals. The Government welcomes any changes intended to make the proposals more effective and workable, and will consider the revised proposals as soon as they have been adopted by the Commission. The Government will then carry out a separate UK consultation accompanied by a regulatory impact assessment.