Written question asked by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 February 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Monday, 25 February 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will estimate the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the detonation of caps in toy cap guns. - Inc figure.

Answer: Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the amount of mercury vapour emitted in each of the last five years by the detonation of caps in toy cap guns. [34524] Mr. Meacher: Currently there is only limited data available on emissions of mercury from toy caps, but it is an area in which we are looking at ways to improve our estimates. Our current best estimate is that emissions from this source may be in the order of 150kg per annum.

Secondary information