§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with controls over the dissemination of tributyl tin:
- (i) within British coastal waters;
- (ii) within the waters of the member states of the EEC.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)The Government are concerned that tributyl tin compounds leaching from the antifouling coatings of small boats is affecting marine life in sensitive estuarial waters in this country. Proposals to control the supply and use of antifouling paints containing tributyl tin compounds were published on 13th February. Those affected by the proposals have until 14th May to make their views known.
The proposals have been notified to the Commission of the European Communities as required by Directive 83/189/EEC. In the first instance it is for each member state to decide, in the light of local circumstances, whether or not its waters are adequately protected. The French authorities have already taken action to ban some uses of these antifouling paints in their waters.