Document nmVVJ5z8QKapa16oq23NJp1Q1

CONFIDENTIAL REPORT ON TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH C. CAPPS, WIGGINS-TEAPE. April 28TH. 1970____________ cc.! jw Barrett, London HS Bergen, St. Louis HN DahlstrOm, Brussels K Fletcher, London BT Garland, London JC Garrels, London F Macdonald, Newport HR Newman, Newport RA Onians, Brussels WB Papageorge, St. Louis RE Soden, Brussels JE Springgate, St. Louis KA SummerBide, London RG Veldeman, London HA Vodden, Ruabon EP Wheeler, St. Louie I spoke with Capps to get his summary of their meeting at the Ministry of Technology on the 24th April. Dr. Ranee (Wiggins-Teape Technical Director) and Capps met Mr. Rampton, Deputy Secretary, and one of his Assistants, Mr. Charlish. Capps felt the meeting was reasonably succesaful and that Rampton will have to react since it was pointed out that NCR paper is the largest export earner of the entire UK paper industry. The objective was to inform the Ministry openly and frankly, and to appeal for a rational approach to a problem that should be kept in perspective. The only reference to Monsanto was as the PCB supplier. Wiggins-Teape voiced their concern about the likelihood of publication of Bailey's finding and this provoked sympathy but little positive response (Bailey's name was not mentioned but his laboratory was identified). However, when considering the hypothetical situation of a possible ban on NCR paper imports by another country, the Ministry expressed a willingness to help. The Ministry approved of the steps already taken by Wiggins-Teape to improve the situation. These were stated to be:- 1. Tighter housekeeping at the Treforest mill, 2. Control over sales of Treforest broke - these have now been stopped, 3. Decision made to switch from Aroclor to an alternative solvent. Rampton endorsed all these moves, and states he expected the climate over environmental pollution by chemicals would continue to worsen from the manufacturers/users standpoint. cont'd HQNS 031516 2 Timing of the switch from Aroclor was mentioned and Wiggins-Teape again made the point that it would be a pity if unfavorable publicity was to occur while the change was in progress. The Ministry reaction was again sympathetic. Capps feels they have now established good lines of communication that they would be able to use effectively in the event of any un foreseen crisis developing. He will be in Japan for the next two weeks and if we need to talk to Wiggins-Teape on this subject while he is away, the contact should be AE Burroughs at Gateway House. Finally, Dr. Lister (Arthur D. Little, Edinburgh) has visited the Tolworth laboratory and his information indicates Bailey intends publishing a note on his findings in "Chemistry in industry". ( D5 Cameron ( Brussels, April 29, 1970 DSC/ls MONS 031517