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1. Article 2, in conjunction with Article 5, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication to the effect that white lead is not used in painting in the country and therefore not regulated by legislation. However, the Cabinet of Ministers has elaborated draft regulations concerning the "Restrictions for the use and sale of dangerous chemical agents and hazardous chemical products" according to which the use of white lead (sulphate of lead) is prohibited with the exception of paints used for restoration work as well as the preservation and maintenance of historical buildings, their interiors and works of art. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to indicate the laws and regulations issued to regulate the use of white lead in painting operations for which its use is not prohibited, in conformity with Article 5 of the Convention, and in consultation with the employers' and workers' organizations, as called for in Article 6 of the Convention. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the regulations concerning the "Restrictions for the use and sale of dangerous chemical agents and hazardous chemical products" as soon as they are adopted.

2. Article 7. The Committee notes the Government's indication that, according to the statistical data issued by the Centre of Occupational and Radiological Medicine at P. Stradins Hospital on registered occupational diseases (cases of chronic lead poisoning), no cases of lead poisoning arising from the use of paint containing lead have been registered since 1995 in the country. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics as regards morbidity and mortality due to lead poisoning.