§ 2.41 p.m.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now received the report of the Health and Safety Commission's Advisory Committee on Asbestos and, if not, when the report is expected and what is the reason for delay.
The Earl of GOWRIEMy Lords, the Advisory Committee on Asbestos has now submitted its final report to the Health and Safety Commission and Ministers closely concerned, and the text has been sent for printing.
§ Lord HALEMy Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Earl and, indeed, to the Advisory Committee for that Answer. No one is criticising the work they have done, which is excellent; but the fact that the report has now been received will, I hope, mean that urgent action will be taken on the provision of substitutes and on efforts to preserve the life of the people of this country.
The Earl of GOWRIEMy Lords, I will see that the noble Lord's point is drawn to the attention of the Ministers concerned.
§ Lord AVEBURYMy Lords, what are the levels of permitted concentration of asbestos in the atmosphere in workplaces and what do the Government intend to do, in the light of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, to reduce them to a level which is more consistent with the latest scientific findings and with the practice in equivalently industrialised nations such as in the EEC and the United States?
The Earl of GOWRIEMy Lords, I have no idea of the level of asbestos in the general atmosphere. The Government intend to continue the work of the Factory Inspectorate in the short-term and to study this report very carefully for the longer term.