§ Mr. William Rossto ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what quantities of phosphorus-free detergents were(a) produced and (b) used in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years for which figures are available; what percentage of these were domestic detergents; and whether he has any plans to encourage the wider use of such detergents.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyOver the last three years there has been no production of phosphate-free detergents in the United Kingdom. Usage, from imports, is estimated to be well below 0.5 per cent. of the total United Kingdom market for detergents. The environmental safety of some current phosphorus substitutes is uncertain. The Government have no plans at present to encourage the wider use of phosphate-free detergents.