news story

10th April 2006

New Rules Pose Threat to Church Organs

Northavon MP Steve Webb has started campaigning to save the nation's church organs.

A European Union regulation that outlaws lead solder in electrical goods has put around 20,000 organs across the UK under threat.

The MP has signed a parliamentary motion and is putting pressure on government ministers to take action.

The EU directive, which comes into effect on July 1, is designed to cut down on harmful pollution in the manufacture of products such as mobile phones and computers.

But there are fears it could also make the manufacture of traditional church organs illegal.

Traditional organ pipes are hand-made using lead, which is also used in electric motors which power the blowers to move air through the pipes.

Steve Webb said:

"This would effect virtually any church organ in the country. We have to make sure that the Department of Trade and Industry takes this seriously."