Biological Screening

HC Deb 21 November 1980 vol 994 c2W

Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further progress has been made in the United Kingdom survey implementing the European Economic Community directive on the biological screening of the population for lead since the last report was placed in the Library on 4 February, Volume 978, columns 33–34; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

We have received results for the final two groups in the survey, selected mothers in Glasgow and the babies born to them during the period of the study. I have today placed in the Library of the House a copy of a report giving the preliminary analysis of these results. Copies of the report have also been sent to hon. Members with a constituency interest.

The report itself will shortly be sent to the Commission of the European Communities. The Department of the Environment and my Department are also preparing detailed analyses of the results for both groups and these too will be reported in due course to the Commission.

The present report shows that neither the group of Glasgow mothers nor that of their babies met all of the reference levels set out in the directive. The sample of mothers was stratified to give relatively large numbers of mothers and babies exposed to high levels of lead in water. The relationship between water lead levels and blood lead levels will be explored in more detail in a report on all aspects of the mothers and babies study, which will be published later.

Lime-dosing of most of Glasgow's water supplies, in order to reduce their plumbo-solvency, began in 1978 and immediately after completion of the mothers and babies study lime-dosing was enhanced. The Lawther report on "Lead and Health" made a number of recommendations on treatment and other aspects of lead in water; my colleagues and I are considering these in the light of the working party's evidence and of the practical and economic factors, and will make an announcement as soon as we can.

I should like to thank all those who took part in the Glasgow survey, particularly the mothers who voluntarily undertook several tasks in addition to giving samples of their blood.