of leading consultants and academics were appointed to research how volunteers coped with opening cereal bags, packets of cheese, cartons of orange juice and toilet freshener containers. And in an 86-page document they reported vital findings such as: “The larger the area for grasping the more force can be applied to open a package.” MPs were less than impressed that taxpayers had to cough up for the research, carried out for Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt’s department. Liberal Democrat Mark Oaten said: “It is the nanny state gone mad. Next they'll be telling us how to wipe our bottoms.” And Shadow Trade Secretary Tim Yeo added: “This is an astonishing way to spend taxpayers’ money. The busy-bodies in Whitehall are just finding things to do.” But the Department of Trade and Industry insisted that the study was serious and was carried out to improve safety. A spokesman added: “This is valuable, important work. There are many people who have difficulties opening modern packaging. There are injuries caused because those who can’t open packets use knives and scissors instead.” Daily Mirror 18/1/03.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Costly bag study
THE Government has come with a study into the problem of opening plastic bags - at a mere £100,000 cost to taxpayers – all in the name of safety. A team 
of leading consultants and academics were appointed to research how volunteers coped with opening cereal bags, packets of cheese, cartons of orange juice and toilet freshener containers. And in an 86-page document they reported vital findings such as: “The larger the area for grasping the more force can be applied to open a package.” MPs were less than impressed that taxpayers had to cough up for the research, carried out for Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt’s department. Liberal Democrat Mark Oaten said: “It is the nanny state gone mad. Next they'll be telling us how to wipe our bottoms.” And Shadow Trade Secretary Tim Yeo added: “This is an astonishing way to spend taxpayers’ money. The busy-bodies in Whitehall are just finding things to do.” But the Department of Trade and Industry insisted that the study was serious and was carried out to improve safety. A spokesman added: “This is valuable, important work. There are many people who have difficulties opening modern packaging. There are injuries caused because those who can’t open packets use knives and scissors instead.” Daily Mirror 18/1/03.
of leading consultants and academics were appointed to research how volunteers coped with opening cereal bags, packets of cheese, cartons of orange juice and toilet freshener containers. And in an 86-page document they reported vital findings such as: “The larger the area for grasping the more force can be applied to open a package.” MPs were less than impressed that taxpayers had to cough up for the research, carried out for Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt’s department. Liberal Democrat Mark Oaten said: “It is the nanny state gone mad. Next they'll be telling us how to wipe our bottoms.” And Shadow Trade Secretary Tim Yeo added: “This is an astonishing way to spend taxpayers’ money. The busy-bodies in Whitehall are just finding things to do.” But the Department of Trade and Industry insisted that the study was serious and was carried out to improve safety. A spokesman added: “This is valuable, important work. There are many people who have difficulties opening modern packaging. There are injuries caused because those who can’t open packets use knives and scissors instead.” Daily Mirror 18/1/03.
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