92000E4161

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4161/00

by Jeffrey Titford (EDD) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: European Commission's proposed Chemical Testing Programme

I am receiving letters every day from constituents who continue to be concerned about the European Commission's proposals to test 70 000 existing chemicals, which, I am advised, will result in the death of around 10 million animals.

1. Where can I find a list of the 70 000 chemicals it is proposed to test?

2. Which committee, or group of persons, within the European Commission decided on this recommendation?

3. What are the opportunities for MEPs to debate, amend or reject these proposals?

4. Does the European Commission agree with the estimate that over 10 million animals will be slaughtered as a result of this proposal?

5. Which organisations and individuals have, to date, made representations to the European Commission against this proposal?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2001)

On 13 February 2001 the Commission adopted a White Paper on a strategy for a future chemicals policy. The White Paper will be presented to the Parliament which will have the opportunity of giving its opinion.

It is not possible, on the basis of the White Paper, to estimate the number of animals needed for testing. What can be said is that for two thirds of the substances, testing should generally be limited to non-animal testing.

The Commission has received some six thousand items of correspondence from individuals and organisations on this subject, many of which expressed concern in relation to animal testing. Other comments received emphasised the importance of ensuring that chemicals are adequately tested. The Commission has not made a precise breakdown of the different points of view expressed and is not in a position therefore to furnish the details sought on this aspect. However, the Commission can assure the Honourable Member that it will take account of the need to limit testing of live animals as far as practicable, including using available alternative tests not requiring the use of live animals, and to encourage the development of new alternative tests.