PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
European Chemicals Agency (26 January 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the Government's policy is on remaining a member of the European Chemicals Agency after the UK leaves the EU; and whether the Government plans to maintain adherence to the standards and rules of that agency after the UK leaves the EU.

Asked by:
Ian Murray (Labour)

While the UK remains a member of the EU we will continue to participate fully in the work of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). As set out in the recent White Paper (The United Kingdom’s exit from and new partnership with the European Union), the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States our future status and arrangements with regard to EU agencies, including ECHA, as part of exit negotiations. It would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations.

The chemicals sector is one of the areas where an ambitious and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement is in the best interests of Europe and the best interests of Britain. Our priority will be to ensure the continued effective and safe management of chemicals, including maintaining standards that underpin trade and deliver on our international commitments.

Answered by:
Mr Robin Walker (Conservative)
3 February 2017