MUDDLED EU regulations threaten the future of the traditional barometer, a West Devon based firm which is one of the last remaining national makers and repairers of the ancient instruments has warned. Barometer World at Merton could be forced out of business as a result of new rules from Brussels which will restrict the presence of mercury in homes in response to concerns about potential environmental and health risks. Barometer World owner Philip Collins said restoration and production of traditional mercury barometers, which contain only a very small amount of the substance, could be outlawed by the new regulations. Mr Collins said he would be in favour of some sort of licensing for responsible manufacturers or repairers of barometers which contain mercury. He said this would be better than banning repairs, which could lead to old and broken barometers being dumped, and the mercury escaping into the environment unchecked. Now Torridge and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox is calling for the barometer industry to be given an exemption from the directive. Mr Cox has written to the minister again seeking further clarification.
