§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information his Department has on the use of polycarboxylates in detergents; and what studies have been carried out into the envionmental implications of their use.
§ Mr. RidleyPolycarboxylates are used at very low levels, generally less than 2 per cent., in detergents. Studies on the environmental implications of their use have been carried out by the detergent industry. These studies compare the results of toxicological and environmental test data with potential or predicted environmental concentration. In addition, a review of their behaviour and use has been published by Imperial college.