letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP |
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14 September 2005 |
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Daily Mail |
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Sir, It is a refreshing change to see the Daily Mail arguing against the watering down of European legislation (article by Geoffrey Lean, 9 Sept). There is indeed evidence that sperm counts are falling, babies changing gender and cancers proliferating - and all because of the effects of chemicals in daily use, but where we know too little of the exact cause and effect. Every single one of us has dozens of chemicals that have accumulated in our bloodstream and our tissues that our grandparents never had. Of course it makes sense to research and test chemicals that have been placed on the market. It also makes sense to spread the cost of this across the 25 EU countries, rather than each of us paying for our own research programmes that may just be duplicating each other. This is a perfect example of the benefits of European legislation - as long as we get the balance right and don't go over the top. Fortunately, no legislation can be adopted by the EU without it being approved by national Ministers from elected governments in the Council and directly elected MEPs in the European Parliament. This double quality control should make sure we get it right. Richard Corbett |
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