§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the present annual utilisation in this country of D.D.T. and other chlorinated hydrocarbons.]
LORD ST. OSWALDMy Lords, the main contrast between my Answer and that of my noble friend is that there is no information available, I regret to say, on this Question of the noble Lord.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, is it not most desirable that the extent to which these highly toxic articles is used should be known? If it is possible for other countries to supply such information, why is it not possible here?
LORD ST. OSWALDMy Lords, I understand that the supplementary question of the noble Lord is, why is there no information? This is a very big question. It is the fact that recommendations for the same use of chlorinated hydrocarbons in agriculture and food storage are issued by the Government on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances, and those interested and concerned in the distribution and use of these substances are informed.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, while it may be true that they are informed, is there any information as to the extent to which the warnings given are observed?
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I ask whether or not there are medical records showing very considerable changes in the mortality rate from certain diseases, 621 certainly through the use of D.D.T.; and would it not be desirable—I know the interest of my noble friend in all these matters of food, which is most important—to have information as to what is the general effect upon health at large?
LORD ST. OSWALDMy Lords, I think I can confidently say that such records are not available. If the noble Viscount the Leader of the Opposition thinks they are desirable, I will certainly pass his point of view back to my right honourable friend.