Vol. 544 No. 2
113 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Copenhagen Charter is supported by over 80 environment and consumer groups across Europe; if his attention has further been drawn to the demands contained in the charter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28405/01]
I am aware of the charter referred to, which was published in October 2000. It reflects the widespread concern for a new, more effective regulatory regime for chemicals within the European Union. To meet this concern, the European Council of Environment Ministers, at its meeting on 7-8 June 2001, adopted conclusions on the European Commission's White Paper, Strategy For a Future Chemicals Policy, published last February. The conclusions are an important milestone towards an improved framework for the regulation of chemicals; following their adoption, the Commission has commenced work on the development of appropriate legislative proposals.
