§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many deaths have resulted from the addiction of sniffing shoe cleaning fluid in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanI regret that this information is not available. Out of 30 cases of deaths from "sniffing" various products over the past five years known to my Department, four have involved shoe cleaning fluid. A wide range of products can be misused in this way and, as they are not dangerous or harmful in normal use, I do not believe I would be justified in seeking their withdrawal from sale. I fully share the hon. Member's concern about "sniffing", but I am afraid there is no easy solution. My hon. Friend the Minister of State will be writing to him shortly.