HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc975-6
10. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the recommendation by the Committee on Synthetic Detergents of the need for manufacturers to stress on containers the advisability of thoroughly rinsing the hands in fresh water after using water with the washing products in order to reduce the possibility of skin irritation and dermatitis to persons who are particularly sensitive, what steps he has taken to see that this precaution is carried out by manufacturers.

Mr. Deedes

The Interim Report containing this opinion was put on sale and well publicised. I have no doubt that the manufacturers of washing products have noted the Committee's views.

Mr. Dodds

Does the Minister not appreciate the particular danger to married men who, by compulsion or of their own free will, do the washing up, as an investigation has shown most are prone to the using of too liberal quantities of de-fatting detergents, with harmful effects? Cannot he therefore take some action to persuade manufacturers to put the warning on the packets?

Mr. Deedes

The Interim Report which has been published by the Committee was not unreassuring on this point. It did not specify married men, but if the hon. Gentleman awaits the final report later this year, he may find out what he wants to know.