§ Mr. Hanleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the results of the first year's monitoring programme for TBT in the aquatic environment; and what further action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. WaldegravePreliminary results from the first year's monitoring programme indicate that the water target concentration for TBT of 20 nanograms per litre has been exceeded in six of the nine estuaries studied, at some time during the year; and that at a number of sites on the Broads with high densities of pleasure boats, levels significantly above this target concentration have been found.
144WThe monitoring programme will continue during 1987 and will be modified to cover new areas of concern. In particular, an expanded survey of the Broads area is to be carried out in conjunction with Anglian water authority. The detailed results of the monitoring programme will be published in the scientific literature in the normal way.
I have written to the Paintmakers Association to advise it of our continuing concern over the problems caused by the use of organotin-based anti-fouling paints on small boats. I have warned it that unless there is a marked improvement in the monitoring results in the first half of the year—which I am advised seems unlikely—the Government will have to consider further measures later on this year. This might include a ban on the use of some of all organotin compounds in anti-fouling paints intended for small boats.
In relation to the current problem with the Broads, I have specifically asked the association to consider immediate restrictions on the marketing of TBT-based paints in the Broads area in favour of existing alternatives. In addition, the Broads Boat Hirers Association and the British Marine Industries Federation have agreed to participate in a separate initiative to persuade boat owners on the Broads to minimise the use of TBT anti-fouling paints during the 1987 season.