§ 10. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the dangers to young children of transparent plastic bags; and what action he proposes to take to publicise these dangers, whether by way of circular to local authorities and other bodies or by other appropriate means.
§ Miss PittYes, Sir. The Ministry and the local health authorities are taking every opportunity to bring these dangers to the notice of those in charge of young children.
§ Mr. MontgomeryI am sure that the news is good news. While thanking my hon. Friend for her reply, may I ask her whether she is aware that when a small child puts one of these bags over his or her head and breathes in the sides are drawn against the face and immediately a vacuum is formed which makes it difficult for the child to get it off? Is she aware that the British Medical Association has warned that these transparent plastic bags are as potentially dangerous as the drugs which many people keep locked away in cupboards? In view of all this, will she get her Ministry to expedite the issue of this information so that parents can be warned about these bags?
§ Miss PittI am aware of the dangers. By means of health education we try to bring them home to parents, and in that we have the help of the Press, the B.B.C. and particularly the women's journals.