35. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what results there are from his examination of the new washing powder which ceases to foam once it gets into the sewage.
§ Mr. BevinsThe foam problem is being studied by the Standing Technical Committee on Synthetic Detergents. The Committee is aware of recent reports that new materials have been discovered and, in co-operation with the manufacturers and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, it is investigating the claims made for these materials. It is not yet ready to make a further report.
Mrs. SlaterCan the Parliamentary Secretary tell us how long it will be before a detailed report is submitted on this problem, because every local sewage works is confronted with it and the cost is terrific?
§ Mr. BevinsWe are aware of the seriousness of this problem, but, of course, the question here is to find detergent material which sewage bacteria can digest. That is actually being examined by the Standing Technical Committee at the present time, and I am hopeful we shall have the report before the end of this year.