§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research is being carried out by his Department into the possible link between excess quantities of nitrates in drinking water and stomach cancer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellResearch involving several Government Departments is being carried out into the effects of the absorption of nitrates from food and the atmosphere as well as from drinking water. The work includes both animal and epidemiological studies. Particular attention is being given to the formation of nitrosamines and to the possibility of a 127W relationship between these substances and stomach cancer.