§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the pollutionary consequences of dentists washing materials containing mercury and other heavy metals down washbasins; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsA provisional estimate of one tonne per year of mercury going to sewer from dental clinics has been suggested on the basis of a limited study of inputs of heavy metals to sewers published in June 1994. Two other on-going research projects, aimed specifically at examining emissions of mercury to the environment, should provide additional information on the possible significance of this source.