HC Deb 18 March 1971 vol 813 cc1627-8
9. Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now received the report from his Department's medical advisers on enzyme washing powders; and if, in view of the widespread concern among housewives he will give an assurance that the use of biological washing powders is safe, or ensure that appropriate warnings are Immigrants (Housing Problems) issued to users by his Department.

49. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to require manufacturers of enzyme detergents to print a warning of possible hazards to users on detergent packets; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sharples

My right hon. Friend expects to receive this report within the next two months and will then consider what action, if any, is necessary.

Mr. Normanton

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply and for the assurance of his awareness of the anxiety which exists. Will he take into account the growing evidence of such anxiety in the United States and assure us that, in the event of this being justified, he will draw the attention of the public and of the industry to the dangers which might be apparent?

Mr. Sharples

Certainly, but first we must have the report. The committee will take into account what has been happening in the United States.

Mrs. Butler

Is it not unreasonable that this report should still be delayed, as it was asked for more than a year ago as a result of cases of housewives in Britain complaining about health hazards apparently arising from the use of enzyme washing powders? In the meantime they have had no guidance from the Department or in the form of instructions on the packets as to how such washing powders can be used safely.

Mr. Sharples

As I think the hon. Lady knows, it was hoped that the report would be submitted at the end of June, 1970. It was found at that time that the evidence was not sufficient to justify any firm conclusions. For that reason, the investigation has been continued. I very much hope that the report will be available within the next two months.