§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will refer to the Medicines Commission as a matter of urgency the need to control cosmetic products and prevent damage to health caused by the absorption of nitropheny-lenediamine hair dyes through the skin.
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
Studies in the United States of America and the United Kingdom have shown mutagenic effects in some hair dyes. But long-term carcinogenicity tests have so far produced no evidence that these dyes produce cancer. Further studies are being carried out and I am keeping the matter under review in consultation with the Government's medical advisers. In the meantime, I do not consider there is any need to refer this matter to the Medicines Commission.
I hope to be able to circulate later this year draft Regulations prescribing safety requirements for cosmetics generally, based on the EEC directive now nearing adoption.