§ 24. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in the light of the research done on water lead levels in Scottish homes, if he will publish a White Paper setting out priorities for action in Scotland on the overall problem of lead pollution and its effect on the mental health of children.
§ Mr. Allan StewartGovernment policy on the possible effects of lead in the environment was set out in a statement by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services on 11 May 1981, following the Lawther Committee's report on "Lead and Health". These matters continue to be kept under review, particularly in relation to the health of young children, and I see no need for a White Paper. In Scotland our current priority is the reduction of lead levels in water and I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bute and North Ayrshire (Mr. Corrie) on 17 February.—[Vol. 18, c. 171–2.]