HL Deb 28 March 1991 vol 527 cc70-1WA
Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are confident that lead in paint for historic buildings will not be prohibited by European Community legislation.

Baroness Blatch

Council Directive 89/6673EEC (amending for the eight time Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations) was adopted on 21st December 1989 and is to be implemented by 21st June 1991. It specifies certain lead carbonate and lead sulphate compounds which may not be used in paints. The Directive contains a derogation which allows member states to authorise the use of such paints on their territory, in accordance with the provisions of International Labour Organisation Convention 13 on the use of white lead in paint, for the restoration and maintenance of works of art and historic buildings and their interiors.