HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc78-9W
11. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what effect the new pre-measured washing powder tablet is expected to have on the problem of foam at sewage works.

Mr. Corfield

I understand that these tablets are intended to discourage the use of excessive quantities of detergent in washing machines. This should help a little to reduce foaming. But the only complete answer to that problem is a detergent that breaks down properly at the sewage disposal works. The hon. Lady will be aware of the progress that is being made in this direction from the Report I sent her recently.

19. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will introduce legislation to compel manufacturers to indicate on packets of detergent the fact that it contains a soft foaming agent.

Mr. Corfield

The hon. Lady is aware of the work that is being done on the development of a really satisfactory soft material. I think that we should await the results before considering legislation on detergents.