§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals are using asbestos lagging for pipes; and if he will ensure that National Health Service hospitals conform to the rules concerning the use of asbestos lagging.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe information requested is not available. A code of practice, based on the Asbestos Regulations 1969 and other general guidance, was issued by the Department in July 1978. Action is a matter for regional and district health authorities but measures taken are open to inspection by the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are at present being treated for asbestos-related diseases; and how this compares for each of the years from 1979.
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§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergIt is estimated that in 1979 there were 170 patients in NHS hospitals under-going treatment for asbestosis. Later figures are not yet available. Other diseases that are related, or could be related, to asbestos are not separately identified in the data that is collected about NHS patients.