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Session
X
2001-02
Type
House
Session
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2001-02 (13)
Year
Department
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Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 17th October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Including figures.
Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 17th October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Including figures.
Asked by
Michael Connarty
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Beckett
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 October 2002
For answer on
7 November 2002
Answered on
7 November 2002
Mr. Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what was the outcome of the Environment Council
on 17 October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a
statement. [76395]
Margaret Beckett: I represented the UK at Environment Council on 17 October, accompanied by Mr. Ross Finnie, the Scottish Executive
Minister for Environment and Rural Development. This was the first Environment Council of the Danish Presidency. It was also the
first to be held under the Council's new rules of procedure, which provide that final debates and votes on legislative proposals
subject to co-decision with the European Parliament are held in public. The Council reached political agreement on 3 proposals and
made progress on a range of other important issues.
The Council reached political agreement on a Common Position on the revision of the EC Directive on packaging and packaging waste,
which was along the lines of the general approach adopted at June Council. I strongly supported this proposal, which sets targets
for recovery and recycling that the UK will find challenging, but achievable. These include a minimum 60 per cent. recovery target
and recycling targets between 55-70 per cent., with a 2008 deadline for implementation. The only opposition was from Belgium and the
Netherlands, who would have preferred even more demanding targets.
Political agreement was reached on the ``Seveso II'' Directive, which I also supported. This modifies the existing Directive on the
prevention and control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances. It introduces new controls on hazardous sites
across the EU. Obligations will be placed on industrial operators to put into effect Safety Management Systems and detailed risk
assessments, as well as to provide information to the public.
Political agreement was also reached on a Regulation to complete implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in relation
to transboundary movements of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) from the Community. Along with the Commission, I argued that the
Regulation should be as closely consistent with the Protocol as possible. After lengthy negotiations we secured significant
improvements to the text, namely that the form of identification of GMOs in mixed bulk shipments should be consistent with other EC
legislation, including existing legislation on the release of GMOs and the forthcoming proposed Regulation on traceability and
labelling. Furthermore, express consent from the importer will be required for the first international transboundary movement of GM
material. On the basis of the improved text I was able to support the political agreement.
There was a short discussion on the proposed Regulation on traceability and labelling of GMOs in products. This focussed on links
with a proposal to cover GMOs in food and feed, which had been discussed at Agriculture Council earlier in the same week. There is
still some way to go before Member States can reach political agreement, and Council requested that the Committee of Permanent
Representatives (Coreper) continue to work on this dossier.
There was an orientation debate concerning the proposed directive on emissions trading, with a view to being in a position to seek
political agreement at the December Council. I strongly supported the scheme but pressed for flexibility during the first period, in
order to allow it to interact more easily with national schemes, such as the UK's successful existing regime, and allow inclusion of
other sectors and gases.
Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. This included follow-up to
environment-related commitments from the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. It called for a strengthening of the
Cardiff process of integrating environmental considerations into EU business, and adopted a set of environment-related indicators
which it recommended for inclusion in the Commission's report to the Spring European Council. The Conclusions include reference to
the need, also accepted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 15 October, to take account of EU commitments made at the
WTO meeting in Doha and at Johannesburg in considering the future of the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.
Council Conclusions on climate change were adopted, without discussion, defining the EU's negotiating position for the 8 Conference
of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change in New Delhi. The Conclusions call for all Annex 1 developed countries which
accepted the comprehensive and balanced Kyoto agreement reached in Bonn and Marrakech last year to ratify the Kyoto Protocol as soon
as possible so as to achieve its entry into force in the near future. Developed countries which do not intend to ratify are urged to
meet their responsibilities under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to return their emissions to 1990 levels. The
Conclusions also recall the ultimate objective of the Convention--to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions in the
atmosphere at a safe level and call upon all states to engage in a dialogue with a view to initiating at the 8 Conference of the
Parties a process for further action under the Convention and the Protocol.
We were able to support the negotiating mandate for the EC for the 12 Conference of the Parties to CITES (Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species) and were pleased to see it agreed without amendment. There was unanimous support for the
UK's proposal to list the Basking Shark in Appendix II, and unanimous agreement to oppose the Japanese proposal to downlist two
species of whales (Minke and Bryde's whales), which would effectively reopen trade in the species.
The Council took note of progress on the proposed Environmental Liability Directive. The Presidency indicated that political
agreement would not be possible at the December Council, as the European Parliament's first reading is not expected until spring
2003. The Presidency updated Council on the proposed Regulation on the monitoring of forests (Forest Focus) which aims to establish
a Community scheme to assess forest ecosystem conditions. The Presidency also updated Council on two inter-related proposals, a
Regulation and a Council Decision, to implement the Rotterdam Convention on a Prior Informed Consent procedure for certain hazardous
chemicals and pesticides in international trade. On the Regulation, a compromise package has been approved in Coreper and has been
forwarded to the European Parliament.
Under any other business, the Commission presented a report on mercury from the Chlor-Alkali industry, which followed a request from
the Council in June 2001 to clarify the legal situation. The Greek delegation presented the outcome of the Euro-Med conference that
took place in Athens on 10 July 2002. The German delegation made a statement on the financing of the European Committee for
Standardisation Environmental Helpdesk. The French delegation started an exchange of views on possible European action in the field
of flood prevention. In relation to this the Commission informed Council that a Communication on an integrated strategy on
prevention, preparation and response to natural and technological risks is under preparation. Austria and Ireland made a joint
statement on nuclear power in the context of sustainable development. Finally, the Danish delegation presented the results of a
meeting of EU nature and forest Directors, which took place in Vigso, Denmark on 2-4 October 2002.
Subjects
Animals; Common fisheries policy; Accidents; Climate change; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; Animal feed; Chemicals; Biotechnology; Flood control; Environment protection; Genetically modified organisms; Hazardous substances; Food; Labelling; Forests; EU action; Floods; Pollution; Nuclear power; Nature conservation; Pollution control; Recycling; Packaging; Transport; Safety; Sustainable development; Waste disposal; Waste; Common agricultural policy; Gases; Mercury; EU Environment Council
Date
7 November 2002
Reference
76395; 392 c560-2W;392 c572-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what studies his Department has commissioned on the impact of mercury in vaccines and its effect upon children; and if he will make a statement. - The results of these studies will be placed in Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what studies his Department has commissioned on the impact of mercury in vaccines and its effect upon children; and if he will make a statement. - The results of these studies will be placed in Library.
Asked by
Harry Cohen
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 July 2002
For answer on
15 October 2002
Answered on
15 October 2002
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies his Department has commissioned on the impact of mercury in
vaccines and its effect upon children; and if he will make a statement. [73787]
Ms Blears: The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) has recently reviewed the currently available data relating to possible
neurotoxicity of thiomersal (a mercury-containing compound) in vaccines and advised that there is no evidence of harm caused by
doses of thiomersal in vaccines, except for sensitisation reactions. The CSM concluded that the risk: benefit balance of
thiomersal-containing vaccines remains overwhelmingly positive.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the United States also published a detailed review of the evidence relating to possible
neurotoxicity of thiomersal in vaccines in October 2001. The IOM review also concluded that the evidence did not support a causal
association between thiomersal contained in vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings were consistent with the CSM
conclusions.
We are aware of two studies in the United Kingdom looking at the relationship between mercury in vaccines and neurodevelopmental
disorders in children. One of these studies is funded by the Department and uses the Avon longitudinal study of pregnancy and
childhood. The other study is using the general practice research database and is funded jointly by WHO and PHLS, which receives its
funding from the Department. Neither of these studies supports an association between thiomersal exposure through the UK programme
and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The results of these studies have been made available to the Department and a summary
of the findings is available in a Report to The US Congress which will be placed in the Library.
Subjects
Children; Health hazards; Vaccination; Mercury; Committee on Safety of Medicines
Date
15 October 2002
Reference
390 c799-800W;390 c801-2W; 73787
House
House of Commons
What is the amount of mercury pollution in the atmosphere arising from the burning of coal in power stations and the mercury pollution of air from other sources. [HL 5782]. - Inc figures and table.
What is the amount of mercury pollution in the atmosphere arising from the burning of coal in power stations and the mercury pollution of air from other sources. [HL 5782]. - Inc figures and table.
Asked by
Lord Lewis of Newnham
(Crossbench)
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
7 October 2002
Answered on
7 October 2002
Subjects
Air pollution; Pollution; Mercury
Date
7 October 2002
Reference
639 c16-8WA; HL 5782
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when (a) 1, 3-butadienes, (b) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (c) cadmium, (d) arsenic, (e) nickel and (f) mercury will be added to the pollutants monitored under the National Air Quality Strategy for the United Kingdom. - Includes figures. (Holding...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when (a) 1, 3-butadienes, (b) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (c) cadmium, (d) arsenic, (e) nickel and (f) mercury will be added to the pollutants monitored under the National Air Quality Strategy for the United Kingdom. - Includes figures. (Holding...
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 June 2002
For answer on
1 July 2002
Answered on
1 July 2002
Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when (a) 1,3-butadienes, (b) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, (c) cadmium, (d) arsenic, (e) nickel and (f) mercury will be added to the pollutants monitored under the
National Air Quality Strategy for the United Kingdom. [64663]
Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 27 June 2002]: Of these pollutants:
(a) 1,3 butadiene is already one of the eight pollutants covered by the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland, published in January 2000 ("the Strategy");
(b) we consulted in September 2001 on the possibility of adding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to the list of pollutants
covered by the Strategy, and hope to make an announcement on this shortly. Levels of PAH in the UK are currently measured at 21
sites, and we hope to add a further 4 sites to the network as soon as possible;
(c) we have no immediate plans to add cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury to the list of pollutants covered by the Strategy. Our
monitoring shows that levels of these pollutants in ambient air in the UK are not generally a cause for concern, and the UK National
Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) estimates that emissions of each have fallen significantly in recent years. Between 1990 and
1999, for example, estimated emissions of cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury fell by 71 per cent. 69 per cent., 47 per cent., and
65 per cent. respectively.
We understand that the planned Fourth European Union Air Quality Daughter Directive may include proposals in respect of PAH,
cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury. We intend to keep under review the need for separate national measures on these pollutants in
the light of progress with negotiations on the Directive.
Subjects
Air pollution; Monitoring; Standards; Mercury; Nickel; Cadmium; Pollutants; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Butadiene; Arsenic
Date
1 July 2002
Reference
388 c55W;388 c53-5W; 64663
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will place in the Library the results of the monitoring of arsenic, nickel, cadmium and mercury at industrial sites across the United Kingdom that her Department funded; (Dep 02/1563) and when she intends to publish the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will place in the Library the results of the monitoring of arsenic, nickel, cadmium and mercury at industrial sites across the United Kingdom that her Department funded; (Dep 02/1563) and when she intends to publish the...
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 June 2002
For answer on
1 July 2002
Answered on
1 July 2002
Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library the results of
the monitoring of arsenic, nickel, cadmium and mercury at industrial sites across the United Kingdom that her Department funded; and
when she intends to publish the results. [64664]
Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 27 June 2002]: Copies of the report entitled: "Monitoring of Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel and Mercury
around Industrial Sites" produced by Casella Stanger on behalf of the Department have been placed in the Library. The report was
published on 4 September 2001. This report is also available electronically on the Air Quality Archive in the reports database at
http://www.airquality.co.uk
Subjects
Contamination; Land; Health hazards; Industry; Pollution; Metals; Mercury; Nickel; Cadmium; Arsenic
Date
1 July 2002
Reference
388 c77W;388 c76-7W; 64664
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will commission research to ascertain whether the kinetics of mercury determined from occupational studies are applicable to patients with dental amalgam restorations; if he will commission research to assess the likelihood of harm to pregnant women and their babies from...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will commission research to ascertain whether the kinetics of mercury determined from occupational studies are applicable to patients with dental amalgam restorations; if he will commission research to assess the likelihood of harm to pregnant women and their babies from...
Asked by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 April 2002
For answer on
10 June 2002
Answered on
10 June 2002
Subjects
Dental services; Dentistry; Health hazards; Patients; Pregnancy; Mercury
Date
10 June 2002
Reference
386 c1068-9W; 48831;48830
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what precautions his Department recommends in order to protect dentists and their employees from exposure to mercury during the placement or removal of dental amalgam fillings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what precautions his Department recommends in order to protect dentists and their employees from exposure to mercury during the placement or removal of dental amalgam fillings.
Asked by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 April 2002
For answer on
24 April 2002
Answered on
24 April 2002
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what precautions his Department recommends in order to protect dentists and
their employees from exposure to mercury during the placement or removal of dental amalgam fillings. [48834]
Ms Blears: Dentists are required to work within health and safety legislation and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
(COSHH) regulations regarding all aspects of their practice, including the handling of mercury and dental amalgam. The British
Dental Association also issues guidance on this topic.
Subjects
Dental services; Dentistry; Health hazards; Patients; Mercury
Date
24 April 2002
Reference
48834; 384 c353W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will require dentists to advise patients of the potential toxicity of dental amalgam.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will require dentists to advise patients of the potential toxicity of dental amalgam.
Asked by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 April 2002
For answer on
24 April 2002
Answered on
24 April 2002
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require dentists to advise patients of the potential toxicity of
dental amalgam. [48833]
Ms Blears: The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed the safety of dental
amalgam fillings in 1997 and concluded that their use was free from systemic toxicity and did not pose a risk. As a precautionary
measure, COT advised dentists that it may be prudent to avoid, where clinically reasonable, the placement or removal of amalgam
fillings during pregnancy. This guidance to dentists remains current.
Subjects
Dental services; Dentistry; Health hazards; Patients; Mercury
Date
24 April 2002
Reference
48833; 384 c353W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will estimate the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the detonation of caps in toy cap guns. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will estimate the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the detonation of caps in toy cap guns. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 February 2002
For answer on
25 February 2002
Answered on
25 February 2002
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the amount of mercury vapour
emitted in each of the last five years by the detonation of caps in toy cap guns. [34524]
Mr. Meacher: Currently there is only limited data available on emissions of mercury from toy caps, but it is an area in which we are
looking at ways to improve our estimates. Our current best estimate is that emissions from this source may be in the order of 150kg
per annum.
Subjects
Imitation firearms; Pollution; Mercury
Date
25 February 2002
Reference
34524; 380 c921W;380 c923W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the burning of mercury (II) thiocyanate in pyrotechnic products. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the burning of mercury (II) thiocyanate in pyrotechnic products. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Ian Lucas
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 February 2002
For answer on
25 February 2002
Answered on
25 February 2002
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the amount of mercury
vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the burning of mercury (II) thiocyanate in pyrotechnic products. [34522]
Mr. Meacher: There is a wide range in estimates of the tonnage of fireworks used annually in the UK. However on current information
our best estimate is that emissions of mercury from this source may be in the order of 150kg per annum.
Subjects
Fireworks; Pollution; Mercury
Date
25 February 2002
Reference
34522; 380 c921W;380 c923W
House
House of Commons
Whether they can estimate the average mercury pollution levels in city and rural areas in the United Kingdom; and what are the likely sources of this contamination. [HL 668]. - Including table and ref to National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) at www.aeat.co.uk/uk/netcen/airqual/index.html and www.foodstandards.gov.uk and Sources, Sinks and Levels of...
Whether they can estimate the average mercury pollution levels in city and rural areas in the United Kingdom; and what are the likely sources of this contamination. [HL 668]. - Including table and ref to National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) at www.aeat.co.uk/uk/netcen/airqual/index.html and www.foodstandards.gov.uk and Sources, Sinks and Levels of...
Asked by
Lord Colwyn
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
8 October 2001
Answered on
8 October 2001
Subjects
Air pollution; Food; Pollution; Safety; Rural areas; Urban areas; Mercury
Date
8 October 2001
Reference
627 c66WA; HL 668
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to ban the use of (a) mercury amalgam and (b) other toxic dental materials by the NHS.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to ban the use of (a) mercury amalgam and (b) other toxic dental materials by the NHS.
Asked by
Helen Jackson
(Labour)
Answered by
Hazel Blears
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 July 2001
For answer on
18 July 2001
Answered on
18 July 2001
Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ban the use of (a) mercury amalgam and (b) other toxic
dental materials by the NHS. [3871]
Ms Blears: There are no plans to ban the use of dental amalgam or other dental materials currently used in the National Health
Service. All dental materials must be safe and fit for their purpose and must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices
Regulations.
Subjects
Dental services; Dentistry; Health hazards; Mercury; Dental health
Date
18 July 2001
Reference
3871; 372 c222W
House
House of Commons
Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 7th June.
Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 7th June.
Asked by
Andy King
(Labour)
Answered by
Michael Meacher
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 June 2001
For answer on
2 July 2001
Answered on
2 July 2001
Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council
held in Luxembourg on 7 June. [1798]
Mr. Meacher: I am writing to report the outcome of the Environment Council in Luxembourg on 7 June. As the Council fell on the same
day as the General Election, there were no Environment Ministers available to attend, and the UK was represented by Bill Stow,
Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU. Council reached a political agreement on six common positions, two of which allowed
agreement to be reached with the European Parliament at first reading. The UK abstained on the vote on a proposed Directive on
low-temperature emissions from motor vehicles, and voted in favour of the other common positions. Council also adopted five sets of
conclusions.
Political agreement was reached on a Decision of the Commission and European Parliament on the Sixth Environment Action Programme.
This will set out the EU's environmental priorities for the next 10 years, focusing on climate change, nature and biodiversity,
environment and health, and sustainable management of natural resources and waste. The UK achieved its objectives of a commitment to
improve the policy process, a clearer priority for climate change action, and of a commitment to further analysis before the
development and adoption of detailed targets. Political agreement was also reached on a proposal to amend Directive 90/313, giving
the public enhanced rights of access to environmental information in line with the more demanding requirements of the Aarhus
Convention.
In reaching Political Agreement on a Directive seeking to reduce the quantity of waste from electrical and electronic equipment and
increase recycling, the UK achieved its objectives. The Directive delivers environmental benefits, and is in line with the
Government's objectives on waste, and Council has avoided changes which would have made it more inflexible and less workable. In
particular the UK secured additional flexibility for small manufacturers and on the arrangements for retailer takeback. Member
states agreed that collection systems will have to be set up within 30 months of the Directive coming into force, with distributors
having to take back used equipment free of charge on a like-for-like basis either in-store or through third parties. Producers were
made responsible for reaching recovery and recycling targets within 46 months. A target of recycling 4 kg waste per person per year
by 36 months following entry into force of the Directive was also agreed. Agreement was also reached on a related Directive
restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, protecting the environment from
potential damage arising form the disposal of this equipment, and facilitating recycling. The Council agreed a date of 2007 for the
phasing out of specific hazardous substances, including lead and mercury.
Council was able to approve all of the European Parliament's amendments on a Decision establishing a list of priority substances
under the Water Framework Directive, allowing it to be adopted at first reading. The list contains 33 Priority Substances, 11 of
which are classified as Priority Hazardous Substances. The Commission will be responsible for bringing forward proposals for
measures aimed at the progressive reduction and, for Priority Hazardous Substances, at the cessation or phasing-out of emissions,
discharges and losses. A first reading agreement was also reached on a Directive regulating emissions from motor vehicles starting
in cold conditions. The UK abstained on the basis that the costs of implementing the proposal were disproportionate to the limited
environmental benefits it would bring about, and recorded its position in a statement for the Council minutes.
Council conclusions on climate change reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and its willingness to negotiate
constructively at the resumed COP6 in July. Ministers reiterated the target of ratification and entry into force of Kyoto by 2002.
The Council also held an informal discussion on climate change over dinner.
In response to the Commission's White Paper on EU chemicals policy Council conclusions were agreed. Ministers offered broad support
for the proposal that existing and new substances would in future be subject to the same authorisation process
("REACH"--Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) while stressing the need for realistic deadlines. The
conclusions recommend an objective of phasing out uses of chemicals that lead to a significant negative impact on the environment
by 2020, while maintaining the competitiveness of the chemicals industry. The Conclusions also call for a minimum of animal testing
and increased public access to information about chemicals. Separately, in response to a suggestion by the Netherlands, Council
agreed conclusions calling on the Commission to clarify the legal situation and possible consequences of the phase-out of mercury in
the chlor-alkali industry, and report back to Council.
In preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in Johannesburg in 2002, Council conclusions were agreed
setting out a broad EU approach with suggestions for themes for consideration at the Summit. These include protection of natural
resources, integrating environment and poverty eradication and making globalisation work for sustainable development. Council also
agreed conclusions on a strategy for an integrated product policy, the overall aim of which is to reduce the environmental impact of
products across their whole life cycle.
The Commission briefly updated Council on work on a number of forthcoming proposals, including its planned proposals on the
labelling and traceability of GMOs, emphasising the difficult technical and legal implications of the proposals, which are still
under consideration within the Commission. Commissioner Wallstrom also reported on developments in environmental relations with
Russia.
The Presidency informed Council it would consider what progress could be made on the Directives on Public Participation in
Environmental Decision-Making, Recreational Craft, Non-Road Mobile Machinery and the Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone
Management, before Belgium took over the EU Presidency in July.
Over lunch, Council discussed the Commission's Communication on an EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and a Presidency report on
the integration of environmental considerations into other policy areas, in preparation for the Gothenburg European Council on 15-16
June.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Biodiversity; Chemicals; Environment protection; Hazardous substances; Exhaust emissions; Electronic equipment; Integrated pollution control; EU action; Lead; Pollution; Natural resources; Recycling; Sustainable development; Waste disposal; Climate Change Convention; Mercury; EU environmental policy; EU Environment Council
Date
2 July 2001
Reference
1798; 371 c49-51W
House
House of Commons