§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the permitted limit in terms of fibres per cubic centimetre in respect of asbestos in the working atmosphere, in the United 286W Kingdom and in each of the other European Economic Community countries, respectively;
(2) when he expects to receive the final report of the advisory panel on problems arising from the use of asbestos; and what interim reports have been published;
(3) what research is being carried out to find safe alternative materials to asbestos.
§ Mr. Harold Walker:I regret that the information requested could not be obtained in the time available, but I will circulate a statement in the Official Report shortly.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many prosecutions have been brought under the Asbestos Regulations 1969 annually since they were introduced; and what fines have been imposed annually;
(2) if he is satisfied that the levels of fines available for contravention of the Asbestos Regulations 1969 are high enough;
(3) if he is still satisfied that the Asbestos Regulations 1969 are adequate to safeguard the health of workers exposed to asbestos dust; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold Walker:I regret that the information requested could not be obtained in the time available, but I will circulate a statement in the Official Report shortly.