HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc677-8W
Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to apply mandatory tests for clinical thermometers to British Standards Institute standards for use both within and without the National Health Service and for sale to the public.

Mr. Moyle

Since 1972 it has been mandatory on the National Health Service to buy its clinical thermometers from my Department. Every thermometer purchased by my Department is tested to BS 691.

I have no powers to make it mandatory on the retail trade to sell only tested thermometers to the public.

Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the fact that clinical thermometers which fail to reach certain European standards are being freely sold in the United Kingdom, if he is prepared to take steps to restrict this trade or apply British Standards Institute standards to these goods.

Mr. Moyle

My right hon. Friend has no powers to prohibit the importation or supply of goods, or to apply British Standards Institute standards to clinical thermometers sold in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek amendment to EEC Directive No. L.262/ 139 to make the testing of clinical thermometers mandatory.

Mr. Moyle

The purpose of the Article 100 EEC Directive on clinical thermometers is to remove any trade barriers between the members created by their own domestic legislations. It is an optional directive and there is no obligation that all clinical thermometers should be tested.

No evidence has yet been presented to me of any harmful effects that have arisen, or one likely to arise, in the United Kingdom from the use of a clinical thermometer that has not been tested.

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