HC Deb 08 December 1975 vol 902 cc22-3
15. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will prohibit the sale of an invisible ink, the name of which has been supplied to her, in view of its dangerous nature.

Mr. Alan Williams

My Department is investigating the degree of hazard and will take such action open to it as it considers necessary.

Mr. Watkins

In view of that helpful answer, may I inform my hon. Friend that, on analysing a sample of this liquid, the public analyst found that it contained 10.3 per cent. sulphuric acid, which is above the level constituting a poisonous substance? Is it not, therefore, particularly dangerous in the hands of children, for whom it is presumably intended?

Hon. Members

Ban it.

Mr. Alan Williams

We cannot ban it, because we do not have the power to do so. The supplementary question raises the relevance of the consultative document which we shall produce later this year. My hon. Friend is correct to draw attention to the fact that this product, like all ink, escapes the Part II provisions in relation to poisons. This exemption was first decided on in the 1930s and as recently as last year the Poisons Board considered that the exemption should remain. However, in the light of the evidence that has come forward we have asked for further investigation, and I am awaiting the Government Chemist's report.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

Will the Minister tell the House whether this could be the same invisible ink with which the social contract was written and signed? If so, and if there is any of it still lurking about in his Department, it could prove to be highly dangerous.

Mr. Alan Williams

I am told that it was used to produce the Conservative election manifesto.

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