§ Miss Melanie JohnsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent advice has been issued to local authority environmental health officers on the risks of environmental contamination from, and the safe removal of, lead in older painted surfaces. [48038]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 1 July 1998]: We have today published the Department's revised information leaflet on lead in old paint. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Although lead has not been widely used in domestic paint in the UK since the 1960s, some UK homes still contain old lead paint. All members of the public should be aware that this may pose a risk and that appropriate precautions need to be taken when redecorating.
The new leaflet therefore seeks to raise awareness of lead in old paint and provide readily assimilated information to the general public on how to take effective safety measures when redecorating.
The leaflet will be sent to local authority environmental health professionals. In addition, arrangements are being made for it to be displayed in DIY stores and sent to associations representing painting and decorating contractors and, in liaison with the Department of Health, General Practitioners.