15. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given to the amendment of food and drugs legislation in order to control the sale of cosmetics; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAn amendment of existing legislation with this object would be considered if it were shown to be needed to avoid a risk to health; but on present evidence I am not convinced that such a need exists.
Mrs. ButlerIn view of the fact that various skin trouble and other difficulties follow the use of unsatisfactory cosmetics and that the Institute of Weights and Measures Administration, whose members have an unrivalled knowledge of consumer protection, has recommended control in this country similar to that in the United States and Canada, would the right hon. and learned Gentleman study the evidence available with a view to bringing in amending legislation at an early date if the evidence shows it to be necessary?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am, of course, willing to pursue any further studies into this or any other evidence which may be available. But the hon. Lady will appreciate that I should have to be satisfied on health grounds that a genuine reason exists before imposing this control.
§ Dr. SummerskillMay I ask whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman's scientific advisers reject the view held by scientists in America that certain lipsticks have carcinogenic properties?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am advised that in fact the general medical view is that when used as an external application in very small doses these things have little, if any, injurious effects.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Stewart.
§ Dr. SummerskillI must press the Minister—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We are making very poor progress today.