HC Deb 14 December 1932 vol 273 cc339-40
39. Mr. STOREY

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to take steps to control the preparation, advertisement, and sale of remedies containing, or purporting to contain, radium or radioactive substances, in view of the danger to public health arising from the uncontrolled sale of these articles?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Legislation would apparently be required to give effect to my hon. Friend's proposal, and in the present state of business my right hon. Friend fears that he could not properly hold out hope that time will be found available for this purpose.

Mr. STOREY

In view of the opinions expressed by the Chairman of the National Radium Commission last week, will the hon. Gentleman discuss the matter with him and consider it further?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I have seen the report of his speech, and one danger seems to be that persons who suck radioactive paint brushes may become phosphorescent at night.

Mr. STOREY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is much more serious than becoming phosphorescent at night, and that a number of people have lost their lives through becoming so?