HC Deb 18 February 1971 vol 811 cc564-5W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measurements are taken of the amount of tetraethyl lead on crops, vegetables or fruit growing in fields or on hedges near main roads, and with what results.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measurements are taken of the amount of tetraethyl lead in the atmosphere, comparable to those taken in the United States of America, and with what results.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Measurements of the levels of atmospheric lead in streets have been made in London and in Warwickshire. The measurements in a heavily trafficked street in London were undertaken by the Medical Research Council. The results obtained indicated an average lead content of 3.2 micrograms/cu. metre.

This value is of the same order as measurements made in similar situations in the United States of America.