TRI-BUTYL TIN IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT (Hansard, 13 January 1987)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Skelmersdale)

Preliminary 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 6 of the 9 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.

The 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.

My honourable friend the Minister for the Environment, Countryside and Planning has written to the Paintmakers Association to advise them of our continuing concern over the problems caused by the use of organotin-based antifouling paints on small boats. He has warned them 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 or all organotin compounds in antifouling paints intended for small boats.

542WA

In relation to the current problem with the Broads, my honourable friend has specifically asked them 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 antifouling paints during the 1987 season.