§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to prevent the sale of pens which look like vegetables and have a high level of lead and chromium in their paint.
§ Mr. FletcherThe level of lead and chromium in the paint on pens is already restricted by The Pencils and Graphic Instruments (Safety) Regulations 1974 SI No. 226. At least two suppliers have already been prosecuted for selling vegetable-shaped pens with high levels of lead in the paint, and all local trading standards officers have been notified about them.