Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current regulations on permitted levels of lead in the blood of employees on (1) those working in the heritage arts and craft sector, and (2) stained glass artists.

In response to an assessment of the latest available scientific and medical data dealing with exposure to lead and the impact of the current permitted levels in the blood of employees, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently consulted on proposed changes to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. This gathered evidence to assess the impact of revised exposure levels on the working environment, including the heritage workforce and stained glass artists. To ensure the historic sector is fully considered, HSE engaged with heritage organisations like Historic England and the Institute of Conservation (ICON) stained glass group, and will discuss proposals with DWP and DCMS before finalising reforms.