§ Mr. Ioan L. Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take further steps to deal with the sale of imported coloured pencils that have a dangerously high lead content; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir F. SoskiceCertain imported crayons were recently found to contain294W excessive amounts of lead which could be a risk to children's health. The importers have already stopped further supplies and have asked wholesalers and retailers to return unsold stocks. The Home Office has issued a Press notice warning the public against allowing children to use the crayons in question and has asked the trade generally to ensure that, in future, imported crayons offered for sale are lead-free or, at least, contain the lowest possible amount of lead. If these steps do not prove to be effective, I shall consider what further action may be necessary.