§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what assistance he is giving to research and development of a non-asbestos, non-toxic filter for use in the beer, wine and spirits and pharmaceutical industries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMy Department is not currently supporting any research and development concerned with non-asbestos, non-toxic filters for use in the90W beer, wine and spirits and pharmaceutical industries.
In connection with the specific problem of beer filtration, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to his Question on this subject given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 20th May—[Vol. 911, c. 651.]
I would further refer my hon. Friend to the announcement on 30th March by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council when he was Secretary of State for Employment—[Vol. 908, c. 1104 and 1105]—concerning the setting up of an Advisory Committee on Asbestos under the Health and Safety Commission to undertake a wide ranging review of the health risks from asbestos and to make recommendations. My Department will pay close attention to the findings of this committee and to any requirements for research and development which it may identify.