EAST Devon s Tory Euro MP Giles Chichester has accused the Government of making a dog s breakfast of a green law which will ban the traditional light bulb - but could cause health problems.

EAST Devon's Tory Euro MP Giles Chichester has accused the Government of making a 'dog's breakfast' of a green law which will ban the traditional light bulb - but could cause health problems.

In a bid to reduce carbon emissions and develop a green, sustainable energy supply the Government are implementing a European Directive to ban the 'incandescent' light bulb by 2012 - and replace them with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

But Mr Chichester, from West Hill near Ottery St. Mary, on the EU's Industry, Research and Energy Committee has blasted the 'irresponsible way' they have adopted the 'so-called eco-friendly legislation to prove their green credentials.'

He said when the legislation was introduced the European Parliament made clear that the implementation date for the ban was a matter for the British Government.

But technological problems and concern about the medical effects of fluorescent light on migraines, autism and epilepsy he said, should have led to a full investigation.

However, he said despite these potential problems and the effects on the economy, the Government chose to introduce the legislation two years before the required deadline.

He said: "They (the Government) pay little regard to expert advice or the views of the British people and, in consequence, have made a dog's breakfast of...policies to reduce carbon emissions and develop a green, sustainable energy supply.

"In their haste...the Government...appears not to have read the details of its own legislation.

"Although it is clear that the ban only applies to the manufacture and import of incandescent bulbs, Defra is instructing Trading Standards to prosecute any shopkeeper who sells the light bulbs after the September ban deadline.

"Yet the legislation the Government has introduced permits shopkeepers to sell incandescent bulbs until their stocks run out. What an embarrassing mess."

He added: "If the benefits are so obvious then people will use them. Equally if these light bulbs cause problems then they will be rejected.

"Government should provide people with information and then trust them to make the right decision about the type of bulb that is appropriate for them.

"We are all well aware of the issues of climate change and do not require the imposition of restrictive nanny state rules to be responsible citizens."

Ends

PRESS LETTER

28 August 2009

To the Editor, Letters

GILES CHICHESTER MEPfor South West England and GibraltarLongridge,West Hill,Ottery St. MaryDevon EX11 1UXTel: +44(0) 1404 851106Fax: +44(0) 1404 850752Email:Giles@gileschichestermep.org.ukwww.gileschichestermep.org.uk

For further information contact Press Officer, Tom Maughan

(Tel: 01803 865175 Email: tommaughan@southdevon.org)

Conservatives in the European Parliament