Written question asked by Martin Caton (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 December 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 2 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of a total ban on the sale and use of nickel-cadmium batteries on employment in the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the impact of a total ban on the sale and use of nickel-cadmium batteries on employment in the United Kingdom. [200282] Mr. Morley: Neither the European Commission proposal for a Directive on Batteries and Accumulators nor the European Parliament's amendments at First Reading envisage a total ban on the sale and use of nickel-cadmium batteries. A partial ban has, however, been suggested during current negotiations on the proposed Directive, and is the subject of an extended impact assessment by the Council. When participating in negotiations, the Government weighs all relevant factors, including impacts on cost, employment, customer choice, and environmental protection, in consultation with business and other interested parties.

Secondary information