HC Deb 18 April 1990 vol 170 cc957-8W
35. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he first became aware of Dr. Barry Richardson's research into cot deaths; and what action he then took to alert the public.

102. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he first became aware of Dr, Barry Richardson's research into cot deaths; and what action he then took to alert the public.

Mr. Forth

The Department of Health wrote to my Department about Dr. Barry Richardson's research on 7 June 1989. A copy of Dr. Richardson's report dated June 1989 was received on 12 June. As a direct result the laboratory of the Government chemist was asked to undertake a scientific assessment of this research work.

In a written reply on 9 March, my hon. Friend the Minister for Health stated that a group of independent experts had been asked to investigate further claims by Dr. Richardson about emission of toxic gases from soiled mattresses taking account of the assessment still being carried out by the laboratory of the Government chemist.

I shall await the findings of this expert working group to see if there are any implications for the use of fire-resistant treatments in the manufacture of nursery furniture.