17. Dr. Hillasked the Minister of Health if he will consult the Medical Research Council, with a view to taking steps to ensure that disinfectants produced by manufacturers satisfy minimum standards of efficacy.
§ Mr. BevanI am already in touch with the Medical Research Council, but, as the hon. Member is aware, this is a very difficult and technical subject.
Dr. HillWill the Minister bear in mind, in any consultations he has, that there is a wide difference between the effectiveness of the various disinfectants on the market unbeknown to those who buy them, and that there is an important public health problem involved?
§ Mr. BevanThat is the reason why we have asked the technical authorities to lay down standards, but although this matter has now been pursued for very nearly five years no standards have yet been achieved because of the intricacy of the problem.