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Allister opposes mercury barometer ban

14 November 2006

Today, in a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the banning of products containing mercury, DUP MEP Jim Allister spoke out against the utter folly of the usual "one-size-fits-all" approach of Brussels towards this Directive. 

In spite of the acknowledged environmental benefits of replacing toxic substances with safer alternatives, this piece of legislation takes a step too far in placing a ban on the manufacturing of barometers, a relatively safe product whose craftsmanship dates back to the 15th Century.  In order to save the traditional industry of the manufacture of mercury barometers, an amendment was tabled asking for their exemption from the Directive.

In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-

"Across Europe barometer manufacturing has been part of our heritage for centuries.  It often involves recycling mercury from old instruments.  The environmental threat posed is so minuscule as to be out of all proportion to the devastating ban which this Directive would impose on future production of barometers.  It will kill off an historic skill in return for no meaningful gain.  Thus, I strongly support amendment 19 to exempt barometer manufacture from the ambit of this Directive.

Seeking to include barometers epitomises the fanatical and irrational dogma that drives and brings ridicule to so many Commission proposals.  I trust, in the name of common sense, we will say no."

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