§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to issue public information leaflets providing guidelines to small boat owners who have previously painted their vessels with organotin-based antifouling paints.
§ Mr. BaldryRegulations restricting and eventually banning the use of triorganotin-based antifouling paints on small boats came into effect in the United Kingdom in 1986 and 1987. Information leaflets giving small boat owners advice on the removal of such paints were published in 1986 and 1988 by the Royal Yachting Association and the Department of the Environment. Copies are still available on request.
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§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to establish uniform industrial process instructions and regulations for the application, removal and disposal of all organotin-based antifouling paints, residues and discharges which have developed from their application in boat yards or dry docks, including certification of operators for application and removal.
§ Mr. BaldryMy Department issued a consultation paper and draft regulations, "The Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations", last October. We proposed to include the application of tributyl- and triphenyl-tin antifouling paints within the scope of the regulations. The results of this consultation are still being considered, but it is hoped to lay regulations shortly. Relevant controls also exist under the Pesticides Regulations (Food and Environmental Protection Act 1986) which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. I understand that the executive, in conjunction with industry, has set standards of training for anyone involved in the application and removal of antifouling paints.