Vol. 258 No. 14
asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a statement in a newspaper article (details supplied) that the standards for biodegradability of detergents in the EEC are significantly lower than those in Britain and that as a result, if there were substantial imports of continental detergents after EEC membership, it could worsen the pollution problem in Britain's rivers; and if he will indicate how Ireland is likely to be affected in this context.
97.
asked the Minister for Local Government what standards are enforced in relation to biodegradability of detergents in Ireland; if these are enforced in regard to all imports of detergents; and how the standards are likely to be affected by EEC membership.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
I have seen the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy. From the information at present available to me it would appear that the import of detergents complying with the suggested EEC standard for biodegradability would not be likely to cause a pollution problem here, but this aspect will be considered by my Department when it is consulted on the terms of the relevant draft EEC directive. No standard for biodegradability of detergents has been prescribed here.
