SNP President, Ian Hudghton MEP, has condemned the banning of traditional barometers and measuring devices after a vote in the European Parliament today.

Proposals were passed today to ban traditional barometers and measuring devices which contain mercury, a heavy metal that is toxic to human beings and the environment.

Mr Hudghton voted for amendments which sought to retain traditional barometers, which have small volumes of mercury, but these were defeated.

The small, but highly skilled, manufacturing industry now faces complete closure of sales of new barometers and similar devices.

Commenting, Mr Hudghton said:

“The proposals aim to stop mercury from getting into the food chain and water supplies, but this goes too far and the measures have been likened to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“Traditional barometers and measuring devices contain only small volumes of mercury and produce no real waste. The devices have a long life span and the mercury is recycled. In any case, these devices are rarely used commercially nowadays and they hardly pose a threat to human life.

“The industry involved in making these devices is small but highly skilled and I supported an amendment to protect these traditional skills.

"I am disappointed by this disproportionate move to ban these devices which will bring closure on several centuries of expertise in Scotland.”