§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the level in the atmosphere of lead, copper, nickel, zinc, magnesium and cadmium, respectively; and what evidence he has that the presence of these metals in the atmosphere is a health hazard;
(2) what is the extent of, respectively, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, magnesium and cadmium contamination of food plants; and if he has proposals for the control of this type of pollution.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe levels of these metals in the atmosphere and in food vary from place to place and from time to time. A number of measurements of atmospheric pollution is already being made : I have recently commissioned further measurements of lead in the urban atmosphere and I am examining whether others would be useful. There is also regular monitoring of food by the authorities responsible. There is no evidence at present of any general risk to health. Controls are already applied under the Alkali Acts and food legislation, and their adequacy and the standards set are kept under review in the light of advancing knowledge.