"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
.. .
Should I buy a stock of 'proper' solder for my future plumbing needs
before the
stuff with lead in it gets banned?

I've never used leaded solder in plumbing. Lead free is superior in that
it
don't turn your children into retards.

Lead is only an issue in hot water systems which are used for drinking
water. Cold is fine with no safety issues here. Much of UK is still served
up by means of lead pipe as the rising main. Anything pre 1950's afaik most
likely have lead.
To be totally honest I don't drink water from the hot tap - the thought of
water delivered from a water tank in the loft isn't as appealling from water
delivered from the rising main!!