§ MR. REESI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Privy Council Order of 27th July, 1900, 490 which permits the sale without trial of fluids containing less than 3 per cent. carbolic acid or its homologues, on the ground that such fluids are not poisons within the meaning of the Pharmacy Act of 1868, has resulted in flooding the market with disinfectants containing less than 3 per cent. carbolic acid; and whether he proposes to take such action as may be necessary to prevent this and to ensure the standardisation of disinfectants.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN-BURNS, Battersea)Liquids containing less than 3 per cent. of carbolic acid are, I understand, chiefly used as deodorants. They would not be likely to be used where, in case of infectious disease, disinfectants wore supplied by the sanitary authority on the advice of the medical officer of health. My attention has not been drawn to an increased use of deodorants of the kind referred to since the Order of the Privy Council was made, and it does not appear to me that I could take any action in the matter.
§ MR. REESIs it not the case that many of the fluids are bought by the public under the impression that they are not only deodorisers but also disinfectants? If they do not disinfect, are they not a source of public danger?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSIf the hon. Member will supply me with examples, I will inquire.