§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what further steps he is now taking in an effort to reduce the number of poisoning accidents involving household products.
§ Mr. John FraserI have placed in the Library copies of a report which my Department published in September 1976, based on a study into child poisoning from household products carried out for it by the Institute for Consumer Ergonomics. As indicated in that report, my Department is investigating a number of possible ways of reducing this problem. Action being taken includes consultations about the increased voluntary use of child-resistant closures and improvements in labelling; development of the use of symbols on warning labels; and research into the special problem presented by paint solvents, such as turpentine and turps substitute.
There will be continuing publicity about the need to keep all household products out of the reach of children.
554WIn addition, my Department is participating in discussions about a proposed EEC directive on the labelling and packaging of household products.