To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the presence of harmful chemicals in household items; and if he will make a statement. (151746)

The Department has not commissioned or evaluated any specific research on the presence of harmful chemicals in household items.

The safety of products containing chemicals is governed by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, which is administered by the Health and Safety Executive. These regulations require that manufacturers identify the dangers of products containing chemicals and package them safely. If hazardous, the product must be labelled with warning symbols indicating the dangers and with phrases explaining the dangers and how to use the product safely.

The Department administers the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which implement the EC general product safety directive (2001/95/EC). These regulations apply to all consumer products that are not covered (and to the same extent) by specific safety legislation. The regulations require that manufacturers ensure that products present the minimum risk compatible with the product's use and that they are accompanied by appropriate warnings and instructions for use.