§ Q24. Mr. Jesselasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Secretaries of State for Social Services, Education, the Environment, Transport, Energy and Industry concerning the administration of Government policies in relation to the effects of lead in petrol and of the timing and extent of any changes in the amount of lead permitted.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. The Government policy on environmental pollution by lead, including lead from petrol, is co-ordinated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is responsible for making regulations setting the maximum level of lead in petrol. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services arranges for the provision to all his colleagues of advice, by the Chief Medical Officer and his staff, on the health effects of lead, including possible effects on children's educational performance. Other Ministers are consulted as necessary; in particular those for Industry and Energy on the industrial and commercial aspects; and close working relations are maintained at official level between all Departments concerned.