§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what studies have been made to see whether modern washing powders and other detergents are having a damaging effect on plant and animal life in estuaries and rivers;
(2) what studies have been made to see whether modern washing powders and other detergents are having a damaging effect on plant and animal life in seas.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartTests in Government laboratories have shown that modern washing powders and detergents generally have a low level of toxicity to plant and animal life. The destruction of a large proportion of these products by biological processes during sewage treatment, and after discharge into fresh and salt waters, reduces the levels, as does the process of dilution. Observations made show no evidence of material damage to plant and animal life.