Written question asked by Lord Monson (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 July 2007.

Mercury: Barometers

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 25 June (WA 111), whether, after 2009, United Kingdom residents will be allowed (a) to acquire new mercury thermometers or barometers while travelling in countries or territories outside the European Union and bring them back to the United Kingdom for their personal use; and (b) to acquire such instruments from countries or territories outside the European Union for their personal use via mail order or internet.

Answer: The proposed new directive to restrict the marketing of certain measuring devices containing mercury: (a) will not prevent UK residents acquiring new fever thermometers or new barometers while travelling in countries or territories outside the EU and bringing them back to the UK for their personal use—such instruments will not have been placed on the market in the EU—and; (b) will mean that UK residents cannot acquire such instruments from countries or territories outside the EU for their personal use via mail order or the internet where the offering by mail order or the internet places those instruments on the market in the EU. Such marketing within the EU will be prevented.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4531; 693 c228-9WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Mercury: Barometers and Thermometers
Monday, 25 June 2007
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: EU law Internet Imports Measuring instruments Weather Sales Temperature Mercury Home shopping
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk