§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has on the need to reduce lead content in petrol in the light of the effect of airborne lead pollution on the health of children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellLead from petrol normally contributes a relatively small proportion of the lead taken up by the 663W body: the principal sources are food and, to a lesser extent, drink. The Government are committed to a phased reduction in the lead content of petrol which was 0.84 g/1 in 1972, is 0.45 g/1 now and on 1st January 1981 will be reduced to 0.40 g/1. Both in the United Kingdom and the European Community the normal upper limit for the lead content of people's blood is taken to be 35 microgrammes/100 ml. Some research work published in the United States has suggested that there may be a relationship between much smaller concentrations and learning and behavioural difficulties in young children. But it has not established cause and effect. Further work is needed. The Department is to fund three additional pieces of research, costing up to £150,000 this financial year, into the health effects of lead, including the possible behavioural effects in young children.