§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Minister for Trade whether he has considered the possible dangers to children from erasers that resemble sweets and other food; and what conclusions he has reached.
§ Dr. VaughanMany people are worried about these erasers. Children of primary school age and upwards are the ones who buy them and they are old enough to realise the dangers. It is the very small children who are most at risk in mistaking the erasers for food. I feel it is for parents to ensure that children are kept from them. I am of course concerned about the dangers but do not at present consider that a ban would be justified. I am issuing an appeal to suppliers to withdraw smaller sized erasers from the market and to attach where possible warning labels to those on sale. I am keeping the problem under review and will not hesitate to take any steps that may prove necessary.