§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to establish maximum permitted levels of lead in paint (a) generally and (b) when used on equipment intended for outdoor playgrounds.
§ Mrs. RumboldNo. In February 1985, the Paintmakers Association of Great Britain, whose member companies account for 90 per cent. of United Kingdom paint manufacturers, agreed to stop adding lead to white gloss, undercoat and primers for decorative use from January 1986; and to all other decorative paints and varnishes from July 1987. Paint with no added lead will be labelled appropriately. Further action can take place only in the framework of the European Community, and at the United Kingdom's instigation the Commission is now considering ways to encourage the manufacture and sale of unleaded paint.
Department of the Environment circular 22/82 (Welsh Office circular 31/82) advised local authorities to specify low-lead paint for almost all uses, including metalwork in recreation grounds. An information note, "Lead in Paintwork", published by the Department in 1982, gave advice on surveying and treating old paintwork. In consultation with the Department, the local authorities management services and computer committee (LAMSAC) issued further advice last year on the treatment of playground equipment.