§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what standards exist for the presence of lead and derivatives of lead in(a) soil and (b) air;
(2) what agency is responsible for the implementation of standards on the presence of lead and derivatives of lead in (a) soil and (b) air; and what guidance he has given to such agencies to report their findings and activities to his Department.
§ Mr. Baldry(a) The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 set down a lead in soil standard of 300 milligrams per kilogram of dry matter. This only applies to those agricultural soils which receive sewage sludge. The regulations are enforced by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. (b) A maximum concentration of 2 micrograms of lead per cubic metre (expressed as an annual mean concentration) is set down in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 1989 which are enforced by the Secretary of State. Compliance is checked at air quality monitoring stations and results reported to the Secretary of State.