§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect lead in paint for historic houses to be banned.
The Earl of CaithnessIt is likely that the proposed directive to amend for the eighth time Directive 76/769/EEC will require the implementation of regulations to ban the use of lead carbonate and lead sulphate pigments in paints within one year of its adoption. The Council of Ministers has still to take a decision on the directive.
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§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
When Ministers agreed that British civil servants should negotiate away the continued right for historic buildings in the United Kingdom to use leaded paint.
The Earl of CaithnessThe Government's policy on lead is of long standing and is to reduce man's exposure to lead in the environment from all sources, wherever it is practicable to do so. The ban on the use of lead carbonate and lead sulphate pigments in paints, contained in the proposed directive to amend for the eighth time Directive 76/769/EEC, is in line with this general policy.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they have not suggested to other institutions of the European Community that there should be a derogation for leaded paint in historic buildings.
The Earl of CaithnessThe United Kingdom is the only member state still to use lead pigments in paints, and our position is anomalous within the European Community.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
What additional costs they expect the removal of lead from paint to impose on owners of historic houses.
The Earl of CaithnessThe information needed to make a reliable estimate of such costs is not available centrally.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
What attempt they have made to organise research for the replacement of leaded paint for historic houses.
The Earl of CaithnessIt is for industry to carry out any necessary research of this kind. Those concerned with the conservation of historic houses will no doubt be encouraging the industry to do so.