§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which Government research body is responsible for evaluating the cumulative effects of additives and contaminants in food, water, atmosphere, and industrial processes, on human health; how frequently reports of this body are issued; and in what form.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe Government are advised by a series of expert committees—with interlocking membership as necessary—concerned with specific aspects of this general field, and in this way the position in each is kept under constant review. I am sending my hon. Friend a booklet describing the committee structure for providing such advice in relation to chemicals, additives and drugs.
These various committees not only evaluate current information but point the way as the occasion demands for the institution of further research, and their views are brought to the attention of the appropriate research council or other relevant organisation.
220WDifferent aspects of air pollution are the subjects of investigation by the Warren Spring Laboratory of the Ministry of Technology and by the Medical Research Council. The Medical Research Council advises on the implications for human health of contamination from radioactive fallout.
In appropriate cases the reports are published.