HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 c1598
17. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to prevent the sale of imported casseroles which contain more than safe limits of lead and cadmium.

Mr. Lane

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 22nd January to a similar Question by the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell).—[Vol. 849, c. 25–26.]

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the House welcomes the fact that cooking utensils safety regulations are to be introduced on 1st April and that others will follow later with regard to the cadmium and lead content of ceramic glazing? In view of the clear statement made by his right hon. Friend, in answer to a Written Question which I tabled on 9th August last, that he intended to make these regulations, can he explain why the Observer on 31st January carried a story to the effect that the Government had no intention of making these regulations, and why information in regard to his statement was not available?

Mr. Lane

The information in the Observer was incorrect. We intend to introduce these regulations covering not only ceramic ware but metal ware. We shall take account of the possible risks which have now come to light in the sort of ware about which my hon. Friend knows so much.

Mr. Dalyell

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that there is no evidence against the British casserole-producing industry?

Mr. Lane

That is my understanding.