HC Deb 06 February 1958 vol 581 c1334
16. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his discussions with manufacturers and users on the dangers of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes.

Mr. Renton

After receiving advice last year from the Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee, my right hon. Friend put certain proposals affecting the design and use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes to the manufacturers of these machines and to representatives of their users. He has received their comments on these proposals and is now considering them.

Mr. Allaun

Does the Minister feel that their gimmick value is equal to the radiation risk involved, particularly to children? Is he aware that they have recently been banned in Sweden and in a number of States in America and that legislation is now pending in France?

Mr. Renton

In answer to the last part of the supplementary question, there was a case in Denmark, but it appeared that the trouble had been caused in an isolated case by a faulty machine, which in any case was different from the type used in this country. Until we have considered these proposals. I should not care to answer the first rather difficult supplementary question the hon. Member put.