asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the lead in food regulations have not yet been implemented; and if he will make a statement.

The Lead in Food Regulations 1979, SI 1254, for England and Wales, were laid before Parliament on 12 October and come into operation six months later on 12 April 1980. This is in accordance with usual practice which allows time for those affected to make any arrangements necessary in order to comply with the law. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland will shortly be laying similar regulations.