§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he expects to reply to the memorandum submitted by the Conservation Society Pollution Working Party entitled "The Health Effects of Lead on Children";
(2) if he has considered the report by Dr. Winneke, of the University of Dusseldorf on the effects of lead on the health of children, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement on the implications for United Kingdom policy on this matter. 108W since these benefits were introduced and including an estimate for 1978–79.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe latest available information is as follows:
§ Mr. Denis HowellArrangements have been made for the memorandum together with Dr. Winneke's and other recent studies to be considered by a working party of independent experts being set up to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. as soon as possible, on the effects of lead on health, with particular reference to mental development in children. Dr. Winneke has delivered a paper on his study, although I understand his full report is not yet available. The study is of two matched groups of 26 children. Of course, this is a very small sample and Dr. Winneke acknowledges its exploratory nature and states that further work is necessary to clarify his findings.