§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many homes he estimates need lead plumbing replaced in order to protect people's health; and whether he has any plans to set up a screening programme to get more precise information;
(2) whether he has plans to extend the system of home improvement and repair grants to encourage people who may be at risk to replace their lead plumbing; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what guidance is issued to local authorities on action which should be taken to combat the health risk of lead in drinking water due to lead plumbing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw:On 7 September 1982 my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales issued a circular giving local authorities information and advice on those aspects of lead in the environment which are of particular concern to them, including lead in drinking water. The circular contained an estimate of the number of households likely to have a lead in drinking water problem; outlined the steps which 387W water authorities are taking to identify problem areas and to treat water supplies to reduce plumbo-solvency ; and advised local authorities on interim precautionary measures to reduce lead intake from plumbo-solvent water and the need for local publicity and advice. The circular also advised local authorities of the additional powers made available to enable them to give an improvement or repair grant for the replacement of lead plumbing where other methods of dealing with lead in drinking water are impracticable. Copies of the circular—DOE 22/82, WO 31/82—have been placed in the Library of the House.