§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, following completion of surveys for the European Economic Community directive on biological screening of the population for lead in the United Kingdom, his Department will be making efforts to reduce blood-lead levels in the Glasgow area.
§ Mr. Rifkind:Strathclyde regional council began treating Glasgow's water supply for plumbosolvency in 1978 and has since twice enhanced the treatment; and, following the statement in the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services on 11 May, I am discussing with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities arrangements for the payment of house improvement grant, in certain circumstances, in respect of lead-lined tanks and lead piping. The surveys to which the hon. Member refers are not yet fully complete but, when they are, I shall write to the hon. Member and his colleagues in the Glasgow area.