§ 22. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what examination is being made by his advisory committees of 90W the pollution problems involved in the use of phosphates in detergents in home and industry.
§ Mr. CroslandI would refer my hon. Friend to the annual reports of the Standing Technical Committee on Synthetic Detergents. I understand that the proportion of phosphate in household and heavy duty detergents varies between 15 per cent. and 40 per cent. by weight, and averages about 30 per cent. The Committee have not so far found any significant pollution problems from this source in Great Britain, whereas I understand that using alternative substances might produce such problems. The Committee have not recommended a reduction in the proportion of phosphate in detergents, but they are engaged in collecting information.
§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what is the proportion of phosphate in each of the detergents in use in Great Britain; and what action his scientific advisory committee has recommended to reduce these levels to prevent pollution of water.
§ Mr. CroslandI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to her Oral Question earlier today.