§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the recent case of lead poisoning of a child believed to be due to imported eye make-up, he is satisfied that the regulations governing the import of toilet preparations are adequate to protect the public and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI have been asked to reply.
The only recent case I can trace concerned the readmission to hospital in October this year, for a routine check, of a child previously treated for lead poisoning in August 1973. If my hon. Friend has any other case in mind I should be glad to have details.
564WI am aware of past incidents of children suffering lead poisoning believed to be caused by ingesting some imported eye preparations. Eye cosmetics of this sort have been used in Asia for a considerable period of time. When used as intended, there is no evidence that they present any health risk, but they are hazardous if ingested. I have no evidence that such products are commercially imported, but they may be brought into this country as personal effects by individuals returning from the Indian subcontinent. The Home Office has previously given publicity to the dangers, and I am considering what further advice I might issue.