HC Deb 29 June 1926 vol 197 cc989-90W
Mr. CLUSE

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that his Department still approve for use on board ship chemical disinfectants which have been disapproved of for use on His Majesty's naval ships and shore establishments; and if, in view of the necessity for the prevention of the spread of infection on passenger and emigrant ships, he will consider revising the lists in consultation with the Admiralty and the Ministry of Health?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not aware that any of the disinfectants approved for use on board merchant vessels are unsuitable for the purpose. Such disinfectants are submitted for approval, and are tested chemically by the Government Laboratory and bacteriologically by the Lister Institute, and if they do not come up to the required standards they are not approved. The list of disinfectants so approved is continually under revision, the officers concerned having been instructed to take samples from time to time in order that a check test may be made. Where such a sample is found not to conform to the required standard the name of the disinfectant in question is removed from the approved list. I will, however, have the list examined as suggested by the hon. Member.