HL Deb 13 March 1969 vol 300 cc595-7

3.17 p.m.

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of allegations that some launderettes are unhealthy because of poisonous fumes and bad ventilation, the Minister of Health has received reports on this matter from local Medical Officers of Health, and what action has been taken to ensure that proper conditions exist in these beneficial services.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONFIAM)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has received no such reports from medical officers of health, but Her Majesty's Government are aware that, although no danger arises from clothes washing and drying machines, there is a possible risk to health if dry-cleaning machines in launderettes are not properly installed and maintained. A code of practice containing appropriate advice for launderette owners is in the course of preparation and will be widely circulated to the trade and to the public health authorities. If the emission of fumes from a launderette amounts to a statutory nuisance, local authorities already have powers to take appropriate action under the provisions of the Public Health Act 1936.

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that very helpful reply, but will he take it from me, as one who for domestic reasons has attended some of these launderettes, that at times, they are indeed most unhealthy?

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD SHACKLETON)

My Lords, may I interrupt the noble Lord? The expression, "Will he take it from me" is not really a question in the way the House interprets it. Will the noble Lord ask a question?

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, I hoped the House would interpret it in the way I wanted. May I ask my noble friend whether, in those circumstances, I can be assured that directions, or recommendations, are being circulated to the various local authorities responsible for health in their localities?

LORD STONHAM

Yes, my Lords, but not so much to the local authorities. I have already made it clear, in my original Answer, that the local authorities have powers to deal with a nuisance if such a nuisance should arise. But at the request of the Home Office the National Association of Launderette Owners has asked all its members to display warning notices about the need for airing articles which have been dry-cleaned in automatic machines. The manufacturers of these machines have been asked to consider attaching a durable and permanent warning label to the machines at the manufacturing stage. Dry-cleaning machines should be properly installed and maintained, and the premises should be suitably ventilated. The proposed code of practice will deal with these matters. I would add that the substance used is a narcotic, and we know of no cases whatsoever of any serious effects to individuals.

LORD REDESDALE

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that some local authorities—for instance, one close to here, Kensington and Chelsea—have issued warning notices which are displayed and which have therefore been a help to launderette owners as well as being of use to the public? Also, is the Minister aware that any launderette operation which is creating a nuisance by emitting so many fumes must be running at a considerable loss, and that the owner is therefore in danger of going out of business?

LORD STONHAM

Yes, my Lords, I am aware of these things; and if there is a nuisance the local authority have powers to deal with it. But so far as we are aware—although I do not want to dismiss this lightly—the dangers are not considerable, and are almost negligible if people will only take the trouble to air the clothes.

LORD IRONSIDE

My Lords, does the noble Lord include "washeterias", and other such derivatives of the generic term "launderette", in his Answer?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, that is one which has not come within my purview. I have quite trouble enough without that.