asked the Secretary of State for Trade what regulations are in force requiring manufacturers to state clearly on their labels the proportion of lead acetate in their products and the dangers of this to children; and if he will bring in regulations obliging manufacturers to state that these products "may pose a serious threat of lead poisoning in young children".

The Cosmetic Products Regulations 1978 restrict the use of lead acetate to hair care products at a maximum concentration of 3 per cent. and require products containing this substance to be labelled as follows: "Wash hands after use; Do not use on broken or abraded skin; Keep out of reach of children". No indication is required of the presence or proportion of lead acetate in a product but the possible need for such additions to the labelling requirements will be carefully considered when the regulations are remade under the Consumer Safety Act 1978.