§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what assessment his Department has made of the dangers present to individuals and the environment by the Tenex Elbow shock absorber; and what safety tests have been carried out on the absorber;
(2) whether his Department will take steps to ban the sale of the Tenex Elbow shock absorber until he is satisfied that no danger exists for the public or the environment either whilst it is in use or when it has been disposed of.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Tenex Elbow shock absorber has been examined by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.
It contains 30 grammes of mercury, a substance which is a well known environmental hazard and may pose a threat to the environment when discarded. I am therefore considering whether their supply should be prohibited. I have asked officials to contact the suppliers.