§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effect on babies of water supplies containing levels of aluminium above the level provided for in EEC directives.
§ Mr. FreemanNo disease is known to be caused in babies by aluminium present in the public water supply in the United Kingdom from natural sources or as a result of the normal use of aluminium compounds in water treatment. Gross contamination of water with aluminium sulphate renders the water unpalatable and would cause milk feeds prepared with this water to coagulate. Such water, if drunk, would be expected to cause vomiting and diarrhoea.