HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 cc47-8W
105 and 106. Mr. Kitson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is aware that some methods of applying non-stick polytetrafluorethyrene surfaces to domestic holloware make use of chromic acid; and if he will take steps to ban surfaces produced by this method;

(2) if he is aware of the use of chromic acid or the presence of chromates in utensils used in the preparation of food, and that this could constitute a danger or a health hazard to the consumer; and if he will take steps to ban the use of chromic acid for this purpose.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is advised that there is no risk to health to the consumer from the use of chromic acid for applying non-stick surfaces to cooking utensils. Chromium may be present in stainless steel, from which cooking utensils are often made, but my right hon. Friend has been advised that these also present no risk. I see no justification, therefore, for the suggested ban.