HC Deb 14 July 1964 vol 698 cc195-6W
38. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action has been taken on the Sixth Progress Report of the Standing Technical Committee on Synthetic Detergents.

Mr. Corfield

Progressive improvement has been effected by the substitution of "soft" base materials which break down more easily in sewage purification, for the "hard" materials formerly used. The commercial feasibility of using the still softer materials referred to in the Sixth Report of the Standing Technical Committee is currently under investigation.

Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action has been taken on the recommendations contained in the Six Reports of the Standing Technical Committee on Synthetic Detergents.

Mr. Corfield

As a result of the Committee's recommendations, the proportion of "soft" materials used in the manufacture of detergents has greatly increased and is still increasing. The "soft" materials break down more easily in sewage purification, and the effect of using them is that there is much less detergent in the effluent from sewage disposal works.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action has been taken arising out of the Sixth Progress Report of the Standing Technical Committee on Synthetic Detergents.

Mr. Corfield

Progressive improvement has been effected by the substitution of "soft" base materials which break down more easily in sewage purification, for the "hard" materials used formerly. The commercial feasibility of using the still softer materials referred to in the sixth Report of the Standing Technical Committee is currently under investigation.