§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take steps to encourage the sanitary tampon industry to standardise absorbency ratings.
§ Mr. ForthNo. This is primarily a matter for the industry to consider in the light of consumer demands. If a request were made to the British Standards Institution for work to be undertaken in this field, it would be considered on its merits.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will take steps to impose restrictions on the use of chemicals in the manufacture of sanitary tampons;
(2) what information he has as to what chemical traces remain in sanitary towels after manufacture.
§ Mr. ForthI have asked the industry what chemicals they add to tampons and sanitary towels and what checks they run on residues of pesticides and biocides in the cotton used. When I have this information our toxicologists will advise the Government on whether they pose any hazard.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will introduce legislation requiring manufacturers to label clearly packets with a comprehensive list of the contents of sanitary towels;
(2) if he will introduce stricter controls on the manufacture of sanitary goods in respect of safety standards and sterile procedures for the manufacture of these goods.
§ Mr. ForthNo. 1 am satisfied that the existing voluntary prior approval scheme for tampons adequately ensures the safety of the public.