Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What tests they have carried out on polymer tungsten as a viable and acceptable substitute for lead split-shot and other weights for fishermen, what conclusions they have reached, and whether these will soon enable them to propose a timetable for phasing out by law the use of lead for these purposes.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleThe Natural Environment Research Council have carried out tests on polymer tungsten and stainless steel-based alternatives to anglers' lead split-shot. These tests have shown both substances to be environmentally acceptable. It is the Government's aim that the use of lead for angling should be phased-out by the end of 1986, if possible by voluntary agreement. However, legislation will be considered if necessary.