Written question asked by Neil Gerrard (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 March 2007. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2007 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Hazardous Substances: EC Law

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he has given to exempting equipment used for live performances from the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Any manufacturer or producer of electrical and electronic equipment that cannot comply with the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive due to technical or scientific barriers, or where the benefits of RoHS compliant alternatives are likely to be outweighed by a greater negative impact on the environment, health and/or consumer safety, can submit an application for exemption to the European Commission for consideration.Under Article 5(1) of the Directive, a Technical Adaptation Committee (comprised of all EU member states and chaired by the European Commission), can approve such exemptions requests if they are found to be justified.As far as I am aware, the European Commission has not received such a broad request exempting the general use of equipment for live performances.

Secondary information