§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice has been issued by his Department to health authorities concerning the possible dangers of lead in hospital buildings and grounds; what 383W monitoring exercises are being carried out in this connection: what action his Department intends to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Any lead hazards which might be found in hospital buildings and grounds, such as old lead paint or lead in plumbing, would be similar to those that may be encountered anywhere. Our Department has therefore sent all health authorities a copy of the joint Department of the Environment and Welsh Office circular to local authorities—"Lead in the Environment", Circular 22/82, Department of the Environment: Circular 31/82, Welsh Office: September 1982—which advises on the identification and treatment of environmental lead problems.