Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 November 1999. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what role the Laboratory of the Government Chemist has played in relation to phthalates in toys and in (a) advising and (b) representing the Government on this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what role the Laboratory of the Government Chemist has played in relation to phthalates in toys and in (a) advising and (b) representing the Government on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [97460] Dr. Howells: LGC, a privatised and independent laboratory, was contracted to act in an advisory capacity to my Department on matters related to the migration behaviour of phthalates. An LGC scientist has attended certain meetings when technical issues in respect of phthalates were discussed. LGC has also been commissioned by my Department to develop a migration test to measure leaching levels from toys mouthed by children, and to test products currently on the UK market. LGC has also been funded by my Department to participate in work undertaken by both the European Commission and by the so called Dutch "consensus group".

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97460; 337 c631W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Hazardous substances Plastics Testing Toys and games Government Chemist