PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
EC COSMETICS TESTING (6 November 1992)

That this House is dismayed by the decision of the European Council of Ministers substantially to weaken proposals from the European Parliament and Commission which sought to end cosmetics tests on animals by 1998; notes that the Council's decision would mean that a ban on cosmetics testing could only be introduced after agreement not just with EC nations but also with all other OECD nations regarding non-animal test methods; further notes that any decision to further postpone the end of cosmetics testing beyond 1998 would be taken by a technical committee with no further reference to either the Council or the European Parliament; is aware that EC law already obliges member states not to use animal tests where alternatives are available; notes that if the Council of Ministers' decision were to be implemented the marketing of animal-tested cosmetic products and ingredients from outside the EC would still be permitted; and calls upon the European Parliament to reject the Council of Ministers' proposal in favour of the more humane amendment originally proposed by the Parliament itself.

Sponsored by:
Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat)