Organ pipe confusion unblocked

1.54.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Apr 2006

Media reports appear to have misunderstood an EU law and its effect upon British organs and their manufacturers.

The EU law, 'Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive', aims to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of hazardous substances in new equipment - for example, lead and mercury.

This law will only apply to new products - existing historic organs in churches in the East Midlands are not affected. They can be repaired and upgraded with lead without restriction under this law. If British organ pipe manufacturers wish to continue to use lead when building a new organ, the British Institute of Organ Builders can apply to Brussels for an exemption on their behalf.

East Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP, Bill Newton Dunn, said:

"This is another example of a Euro-myth. Facts have been distorted and confusion has been created - about an EU directive which seeks to protect the environment by reducing the use of hazardous substances in electrical equipment and subsequently, the quantity of waste."

"Existing church organs in our region are not affected and can continue to be played and enjoyed."

The 'Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive' was passed by the European Parliament and all EU member states in the Council of Ministers, including the UK, in 2002. It now needs the rubber stamp of approval from the House of Commons to be transposed into UK legislation to come into effect.