§ 6. Sir R. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent international agreement has been reached on the maximum proportion of lead which should be contained in paint used for finishing goods for export to another country, especially toys; and what representations have been made to the governments of countries which violate the agreement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Merlyn Rees)There is no international agreement relating to the lead content of paint used on toys or any other articles.
§ Sir R. RussellIs not it desirable that there should be agreement? Is the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that this question arose because toys imported from China and sold in the London Borough of Brent were finished in paint with a lead content of 21 per cent.? Should not we prevent such hightly dangerous toys coming in?
§ Mr. ReesConsiderable quantities of toys are imported each year, only a very small proportion of which are found to contravene the regulations. Nevertheless, I think that a small loophole has been found in Brent. We are looking into this.