Dyeing for Europe

No, this is not a miss-spelling. The EU is indulging in its usual fantasy behaviour, delving into the nooks and crannies of our daily lives, this time by deciding to ban 22 different substances from use in hair dyes in the European Union from 1 December.

This, the commission says, is "to ensure consumer safety", but from thereon they descend into the surreal. The move, they say, will not affect the €2.6 billion EU hair dye market because the substances are not used anyway.

Gerald Rennor, director of science and research at the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, happily confirms this state of affairs telling Reuters, "The impact will be zero."

On this basis, we confidently expect the commission shortly to announce that it has banned the use of safety razors for babies under six months old, and the sale of cyanide-flavoured fruit drinks. In the pursuit of "consumer safety", nothing is too much trouble for our caring, sharing commission.

And Mr Schröder will be so pleased.

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