§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest advice to health authorities on the need for population screening for blood lead levels: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:The need for population screening surveys for blood lead levels must be judged by each local authority in consultation with the relevant health authority. I agree with the advice contained in the joint Department of the Environment and Welsh Office circular to local authorities, which was copied to health authorities, that population screening for blood lead or other biological measures of lead should not in general be necessary unless there is strong reason to suspect that a significant number of people in an area, or in a particular group, are unduly exposed to lead—"Lead in the Environment", circular 22/82, Department of the Environment: circular 31/82, Welsh Office: September 1982.