HC Deb 23 July 1991 vol 195 cc522-3W
Mr. Knapman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what comments he has received on the report of the study he commissioned into the problems that may be caused by pollutants in detergents; and what steps he now proposes to take.

Mr. Trippier

We invited 37 organisations to comment on this report and received detailed replies from 14. They reported that the use of phosphorus in detergents declined by 20 per cent. between the first quarter of 1990 and first quarter of 1991, largely as a result of the introduction of phosphate free compact detergents. There was no consensus, however, on whether further substitution of phosphorus by other substances would have a net beneficial environmental effect.

On other chemicals sometimes used in detergents, the main concern reported was the need to limit the use of NTA—nitrilo triacetic acid—and EDTA—ethylene diamine tetracetic acid. In the light of these comments, I have decided:

  1. (a) the use of phosphate in detergents and the environmental effects should be closely monitored, but there should be no ban on its use;
  2. (b) the existing voluntary agreements with industry on use of EDTA and NTA in detergents should be strengthened, and research should be undertaken into other sources of inputs of these substances to the aquatic environment; and
  3. (c) to invite English Nature and the Marine Conservation Society to be members of the Technical Committee on Detergents and the Environment and to give this Committee the following revised terms of reference:
    • "To monitor trends in the usage of chemicals in detergents and cleaning products.
    • "To keep under review the effects of detergent and cleaning products on natural waters, water supply and the treatability and safe disposal of sewage and sludge.
    • "To identify and review potential problems and recommend, as necessary, any research required to investigate these.
    • "To comment as necessary on environmental developments within the European Community and other international bodies affecting the UK soap and detergent industry.
    • "To report to the Department of the Environment of these matters at intervals of at least every two years."