§ 13. Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to counter the possible adverse environmental consequences resulting from the use of detergents.
§ Mr. TrippierThe National Rivers Authority is responsible for monitoring the possible adverse effects on the water environment resulting from the use of detergents. It has recently commissioned a study by the water research centre on the appearance of foam on some rivers. The Department has placed a study contract to review any adverse effects which may occur due to possible changes in formulations of detergents and other cleaning agents.
238W
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to introduce a maximum limit for phosphate content in detergents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Department has no plans at present to limit the amount of phosphate in detergents. It has placed a study contract to review any adverse effects which may occur if polyphosphates used in cleaning agents are replaced by other chemicals.