Tony Baldry

Conservative Party | Banbury

Local MP Warns EU Directive Will Ban Church Organs

Tony Baldry MP reveals Hazardous Substances Directive means new church pipe organs outlawed from July

North Oxfordshire MP, Tony Baldry, is calling on Minister to stop a ban on church pipe organs.

The MP has revealed that a new EU Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances will ban the use of lead in pipe organs and as from July will make it illegal to build new organ pipes or to move old ones from one church to another. This ban will mean an end to English organ building.

The MP is calling on the Government to negotiate with the European Commission to find a way to protect traditional pipe organs for cathedrals, concert halls, colleges and churches. The campaign is backed by the IBO, the Institute of British Organ Building.

Tony Baldry MP has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, stating:

"That this House is concerned at the threat to church pipe organs from the EU Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances which will ban the use of lead in pipe organs and as from July will make it illegal to build new organ pipes or to move old ones from one church to another unless they are blown by hand; believes that such a ban will have a serious impact on England's cultural and liturgical life and will mean an end to English organ building; and calls on the Government to negotiate with the European Commission to find a way to protect traditional pipe organs for cathedrals, concert halls, colleges and churches."