Russell Scientific
Instruments Limited
Rash's
Green Industrial Estate,
Dereham
Norfolk NR19 1JG
Tel:
01362
693481 Fax: 01362 698548
e-mail: [email protected]
June
2008
Dear
Sirs,
Further to my last letter in October 2006, I feel I need to update you
on the situation regarding mercury barometers. As
you may recall I was one of the prime movers in trying to
win a reprieve against the proposed banning of the use of mercury in
barometers. We won a reprieve on
the ownership of mercury barometers but whilst we won two rounds of
votes in
the European Commission allowing us to manufacture mercury stick
barometers the
Environmental Committee (mainly from the UK, in particular one Ms
McCavan MEP
from Rotherham) recommended to the European Parliament that this
victory should
be overturned and unfortunately it was.
Talk about shooting oneself in the foot, I thought we were
trying to
preserve jobs. Then to add insult
to injury they now want us to use low energy light bulbs which would
you
believe contain mercury!! Double
standards if ever I've heard!
I
have subsequently had a meeting at the House of Lords with the Minister
of State, Lord Rooker from DEFRA.
Whilst he listened, he had to point out that we (the UK) are one
country
out of 27 and that's the value of our vote. Of
the other 27 countries only about 6 are affected and most
of the rest do not have a barometer industry and hardly know what we
are
talking about. As it stands we are allowed to manufacture and market
reproduction mercury stick barometers until October 2009.
The better news is we are still allowed
to repair all types of mercury barometers and thermometers, for the
moment.
My
staff are so incensed that the "law makers" of Europe have banned
(without proper consultation) manufacture of new mercury barometers
that they
have started a petition to the Prime Minister and if you feel strongly,
as we
do, and have the time I would ask you to add the voices that should be
heard http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Save-our-jobs/ You will receive an email which you
must respond to as this activates your vote.
We
have struggled to maintain our 2006 prices but as you are all
probably aware there has been a rapid escalation of the costs of raw
materials,
glass, wood and brass and for this reason we have increased our prices
and
these will take immediate effect.
We enclose our 2008 price list but we are still working with the
same
brochure and will supply on request.
We have introduced cherry wood into certain models to reflect
the
changes in taste and choice.
Thank
you for your support in the past and long may it continue in this
ever-changing economy we try to make a living in and help us to
preserve our
350 year old skills.
Yours
sincerely
for
Russell Scientific Instruments Limited
E
N S Allen
Managing
Director