HC Deb 17 March 1971 vol 813 cc335-6W
Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered the details of the research showing that lead pollution of the atmosphere is a threat to mental health, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Woolwich, East; and if he will introduce legislation to reduce the amount of lead alkyls added to petrol.

SCHEMES OF DERELICT LAND CLEARANCE IN THE YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE REGION UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR GRANT APPROVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Local Authority Site Acreage
Dewsbury County Borough Council … Watergate … … … 1.49
Gainsborough Urban District Council … Caskgate Street … … … 1
Huddersfield County Borough Council … Fartown Railway Cutting … … … 5.75
Mexborough Urban District Council … West Road Quarry … … … 1
Mexborough Urban District Council … Glen Quarry … … … 1.7
Mexborough Urban District Council … Dolcliffe Common Quarry … … … 2
Todmorden Borough Council … Spring Side … … … 1
Todmorden Borough Council … Knotts … … … 0.25
Yorkshire West Riding County Council … Crigglestone Colliery (Pithead) … … … 29.4
Wetherby Rural District Council … Bardsey Railway Embankment … … … 1.6
Wetherby Rural District Council … Spofforth Railway Land … … … 4.4
Wetherby Rural District Council … Collingham Station … … … 6
Wetherby Rural District Council … Wetherby Station … … … 2
57.59

Mr. Peyton

I am advised that lead pollution of the atmosphere is not a threat to mental health. I am, however, considering whether any action is needed to reduce the lead content of petrol, although only a small percentage of the body's total intake of lead can be attributed to this source.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the health dangers to people from the lead used in petrol.

Mr. Peyton

I am advised that it is the body's total intake of lead from all sources which is significant in the health context. This total intake—of which less than 10 per cent. is attributable to lead in petrol—is not thought to present any hazard to health at the present time.