§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now prepared to make financial assistance available to local authorities such as Bradford which wish to remove lead paint on both internal and external surfaces of schools and replace it with non-toxic paints; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWholesale removal of lead paint is usually neither feasible nor cost-effective — simple coating with low-lead paint in the course of routine redecorating will normally reduce any hazard appreciably. If any additional remedial measures are necessary which require an increase in expenditure, I would expect the local authorities concerned to reorder expenditure priorities so as to meet the requirement within their existing targets. Circular 22/82, issued in September last year by my Department, explains the position in more detail.