HC Deb 08 May 1978 vol 949 cc349-50W
Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, following his Department's research into substitutes for sperm oil in industry, he will state which substitutes have been found to be suitable and for which uses.

Mr. Cryer

In 1975 my Department commissioned the British Leather Manufacturers Research Association to carry out a study into the properties of sperm oil and its application in the leather industry, culminating in the publication of a report in July 1976 entitled "The Utilisation of Sperm Oil in the Leather Industry", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons' Library. My Department is currently supporting a further study at BLMRA on substitutes for sperm oil in the lubrication of leather. This project is not due for completion until the autumn when a full report will be issued.