§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his assessment of the situation concerning the safety of eating imported Israeli oranges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThe substance with which certain Israeli oranges were reported to have been contaminated is metallic mercury. Only very small quantities of this have been found in any one orange. I am advised that consumption of metallic mercury, otherwise than in very large quantities, does not constitute a significant hazard to human health. Nevertheless it is clearly prudent to avoid its consumption even in small quantities, and it was these considerations which underlay the statement issued by my Department on 1st and 2nd February. I am sending the hon. Member copies.