§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will immediately take steps to ban the manufacture and use of tributyl tin paint in British estuarian waters, in light of evidence on sex change in marine snails;
(2) if in the light of research by Dr. P. Gibbs and Dr. G. Bryan of the Marine Biological Association laboratories at Plymouth as to effects on marine life of the percentage content of copolymer in tributyl tin paint, he will now reduce still further the permitted percentage copolymer levels in the paint's content; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what assessment he has made of the effects on marine life of the use by yachtsmen of tributyl tin anti-fouling paints on the bottoms of boats.
§ Mr. WaldegraveExtensive research and monitoring programmes, and co-ordination of other work going on in the United Kingdom were elements of the package of measures announced by the Government on 24 July 1985. These programmes are described in pollution paper No. 25, copies of which were placed in the Library when it was published in September. The results are assessed as they become available, and possible actions considered.
A full review of all the available information will be carried out during 1987 with a view to deciding what further actions may be necessary. The results of the research carried out by Dr. Gibbs and by Dr. Bryan will be considered as part of that review. The monitoring results for the current year indicate that water quality is still unacceptable in several areas but that, in estuarine waters for which comparative data are available, there has generally been a reduction in concentrations of organotin compounds.
My statement of July 1985 indicated that the permitted level or organotin compounds in copolymer paints supplied to the retail market would be further reduced in the coming year in line with advances in paint technology. Regulations will be introduced shortly which reflect these advances. In addition, all anti-fouling paints will become subject in the provisions of part III of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 on 1 July 1987. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans for any further legislative action, but we shall keep the situation under review.