MEP bemoans Europe's barmy ban on barometers

WEST Somerset Euro MP Neil Parish has bemoaned a European Union ban on the traditional British barometer.
Mr Parish said it was believed the battle had been won last November when a majority of MEPs supported a Conservative amendment to exclude the 400-year old tradition of barometer-making from a ban on using mercury in measuring devices.
However, since then EU countries – including Britain – have separately considered the issue and Governments have voted for the ban.
Mr Parish argued that appropriate safety warnings and careful controls would allow the continuation of barometer manufacturer and repair, thereby safeguarding many jobs and small businesses in the UK and the rest of Europe.
Now, however, the issue has come back to the European Parliament for a Second Reading, and with the support of Labour MEPs the amendment was overturned.
Mr Parish said the full Parliament would now need a so-called ‘qualified majority’ to reverse the decision by national governments, which seemed impossible.
The ban was proposed because as a heavy metal mercury can be toxic to humans, ecosystems, and wildlife.
Mr Parish said: “Today is a sad day for our traditions. Mercury does need to be controlled, but banning the barometer is the wrong way to go about it.
“With appropriate product safety warnings and carefully controlled usage barometers would be perfectly safe.
“We have used them for centuries without a major threat to the environment or to public health.
“The British Government has sold an ancient maritime practice down the river.
“Everybody with a barometer in their house should ask them why they supported such a ludicrous decision. It is this kind of nonsense that gives the EU a bad name.”

• Our photograph shows MEP Neil Parish (right) with internationally-renowned barometer specialist Philip Collins and a hand-built barometer during a visit to Devon company Barometer World, which is a major manufacturer, restorer, and exhibitor of the instrument. Photo submitted.