19. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has had from the National Farmers' Union about the problems arising from the foaming agent used in synthetic detergents which cannot be broken down at sewage farms; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe National Farmers' Union has complained about the effect of synthetic detergent foam on grass and water used by cattle. I am advised that this problem is neither serious nor widespread, and the National Farmers' Union has been told this.
Mrs. ButlerIs the Minister aware that the National Farmers' Union is still not satisfied with that reply; that it considers this a serious problem and that there would no doubt be a considerable 401 improvement if manufacturers used a soft foaming agent in these washing powders instead of hard agents, so that the ingredients would more easily break down at sewage farms? How much longer will the Ministry sit back and not give guidance to manufacturers on this matter?
§ Mr. CorfieldIn answer to the first part of the supplementary question, the National Agricultural Advisory Service is investigating the matter referred to by the National Farmers' Union. In answer to the second part, there is no question of us sitting back.
§ Mr. ManuelNo—lying down.
§ Mr. CorfieldBetween 60 per cent. and 70 per cent. of the total detergent production is in the form of soft detergents and further installation are being provided to increase it, so that considerable progress has been made.