§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what consultations 700W he has with the suppliers, importers and carriers of raw asbestos to ensure that no unacceptable risk to health will arise if the packaging currently used proves inadequate in an emergency;
(2) whether he is satisfied that the precautions imposed and observed in the transport and handling of raw asbestos are adequate.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that raw asbestos is imported either in freight containers or in impermeable packaging in palletised form. Whatever packaging is used, damage may occasionally occur. The Health and Safety Executive has held meetings locally with representatives of employers, workpeople and dock management to ensure that the precautions to handle damaged cargoes are adequate to protect the health of persons involved.