§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Industry what research is being done into the problems of mercury substitutes, owing to the likely world shortages of mercury.
§ Mr. KaufmanWhile, as my hon. Friend will know, there is a surplus of mercury in the world at present, both economic and environmental factors have recently stimulated research into substitutes, and mercury has been entirely replaced in some applications. Such research, which is continuing, will help to extend the useful life of existing resources and also to lessen the United Kingdom's dependence on imports of mercury.