§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will set an early date for banning the manufacture of anti-fouling paint containing tributyl tin;
(2) what steps he will be taking to enforce the ban he announced on 24 February of the use of anti-fouling paint containing tributyl tin.
§ Mr. WaldegraveRegulations which will ban the retail sale of anti-fouling paints containing TBT, and which will also prevent products containing TBT being used to treat fish farm nets and cages, are being drafted at present. It is the Government's intention to introduce these regulations as soon as practicable, following a consultation period as required under the Control of Pollution Act. The regulations would he enforced in England and Wales by local authority trading standards officers who would inspect retail outlets and paint manufacturers' premises. Similar arrangements would apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue advice to all yacht clubs and other interested organisations setting out in simple language the Government's position on tributyl tin in antifouling paints, stating from what date it becomes illegal to use it and giving advice on the enforcement of the ban and inviting their co-operation.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Department is already in contact with the Royal Yachting Association, with yachting and boating magazines, and with other interested parties, to ensure that the Government's current position on tributyl tin is well known and widely publicised. Further information will be issued at the time that the new regulations are implemented.