HC Deb 13 March 1991 vol 187 cc568-9W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will bring forward proposals to ban the use of tributyltin on commercial and naval vessels.

Mr. Curry

The use, sale, supply, advertisement or storage of tributyltin paint for use on vessels under 25m was made an offence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 as from 1 July 1987. This ban covers more than 98 per cent. of the United Kingdom fishing fleet. The United Kingdom is playing a leading role in international discussions of the need for further controls on the use of antifouling paints containing tributyltin on larger vessels.