§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had or will have with colleagues in other Departments regarding the phasing-out of leaded petrol and lead water pipes in homes and schools.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department is in regular contact with the Department of the Environment which is responsible for matters relating to lead in the environment. As part of the Government's policy of reducing public exposure to lead, we cut wherever possible, the permitted amount of lead in petrol from 0.4 to 0.15 grammes per litre 239W in 1985. We have also encouraged the widespread use of unleaded petrol which now accounts for 55 per cent. of the United Kingdom market. All new cars must now be built to run on unleaded petrol and have catalytic converters fitted; these do not operate effectively if used with leaded petrol. This action should raise the market share of unleaded petrol to at least 90 per cent. by the year 2000.
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989, as amended, require that drinking water at the point where the water is supplied contains no more than 50 mcg of lead per litre. This standard is more rigorous than the requirements of the European Community Drinking Water Directive. The Commission is currently drafting a new directive. When the position on the new directive is clearer, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be discussing with us any further action on levels of lead in drinking water.