§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will introduce legislation to compel manufacturers of toxic glue and similar commodities which are used for dangerous purposes by young persons to include ingredients which will ensure that they are non-toxic when sold to the public.
§ Mr. John FraserThere is no substitute for the solvents used in glues and similar products which make these products suitable for sniffing. My Department has considered the possibility of the use of aversive additives as a deterrent in such products, but none is readily available that would be harmless in itself, would not detract from the product's effectiveness when used for its intended purpose, and be otherwise acceptable. Research to identify a suitable additive would be prolonged, expensive and without guarantee of success. I will be writing to my hon. Friend more fully in the near future.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if, in view of the injuries to life and limb recently revealed caused by the misuse of toxic glue and similar commodities for sniffing purposes by young persons, she will prohibit the sale of these dangerous commodities to young persons, as is the case in existing legislation on the sale of other dangerous goods to young persons.
§ Mr. John FraserA wide range of common domestic goods can be used for sniffing which are not dangerous when used as intended. I believe it would be310W wrong to ban their sale to young people, the majority of whom do not buy them for any harmful purpose. To do so by way of legislation might, moreover, unnecessarily draw young people's attention to the products which can be misused in this way. However, I welcome the fact that police authorities in some areas where the practice is prevalent have advised retailers locally not to sell young people the particular products that are used for the purpose in their area.