HC Deb 21 February 1995 vol 255 cc169-70W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations she has received concerning the impact of dioxins on public health.

Mr. Sackville

Since 1 March 1994, two hon. Members have tabled questions to the Department about dioxins, six hon. Members have written to Ministers and five letters were received from members of the public. In addition, the Department was asked to comment on two petitions from constituents of the hon. Members for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Barnes) and for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), although the latter petition was more appropriate for the Health and Safety Executives to which it was transferred.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to ensure that the public are alerted to the danger of exposure to dioxins.

Mr. Sackville

Dioxins are present all over the world and occur from natural sources as well as from the combustion processes in industry, and cigarette smoke. The Government are advised on the toxicity of dioxins by the Committee on Toxicity of Food, the Environment and Consumer Products, and the tolerable daily intake recommended by the committee exceeds the estimated intakes for the general population in the United Kingdom.

The toxicology of dioxins is kept under review by the committee. It is at present undertaking an evaluation of the draft United States Environmental Protection Agency report on dioxins.