HC Deb 30 January 1974 vol 868 cc110-1W
Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take the lead in the EEC Council of Ministers for the adoption of severe controls on toxic metal pollution throughout the EEC.

Mr. Rossi

The EEC Environment Programme adopted by the Council of Ministers in July last year contains a number of proposals for action to minimise metal pollution in the Community. Experts from the United Kingdom are already actively participating in work to implement these proposals.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take urgent steps to minimise the release of lead and other toxic metals into the air.

Mr. Rossi

An inter-departmental committee has been considering since 1972 the problems of heavy metals in the environment. Its first report on lead, which will be published shortly, reveals that numerous measures are already being taken to reduce people's exposure to this metal. Further measures will be taken where appropriate. The working party is expected to report on the problems associated with mercury and cadmium in the course of 1974.