§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions have been brought under the Asbestos Regulations, 1969 to date, compared with those brought under the 1939 regulations; and what was the outcome of such actions.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThirty-three firms have been prosecuted to date under the Asbestos Regulations 1969. There were 76 separate charges with a conviction in each case. A total of £5,340 was imposed in fines. In addition an order made in 1973 under Section 54 of the Factories Act 1961 prohibited work at a shipbreaking operation. Two firms were prosecuted under the Asbestos Regulations 1931 between 1964 and 1970 representing four charges, with a total of £220 in fines. No records are available of earlier cases.