HC Deb 12 July 1984 vol 63 cc656-7W
Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the presence, use and condition of heaters with asbestos components in Northern Ireland Housing Executive lettings and the danger posed thereby to the health of tenants and families; whether he has received any representations from tenants about such heaters; what is the policy of the Government concerning their use; and what action will be taken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive;

(2) if he will consider making special funds available to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to enable it, without re-allocation of existing funds, to remove and replace all heaters with asbestos components, particularly if it is served notice so to do by district councils.

Mr. Chris Patten

General advice on the uses of asbestos in the home, including its use in certain types of heating systems and the potential dangers from asbestos dust, is contained in the publication "Asbestos Material in Buildings" and the leaflet "Asbestos in Housing". copies of which are available in the library. A circular issued to district councils and copied to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive by the department of the Environment for Northern Ireland in December 1983 drew attention to these publications.

I have received no representations from tenants, but I am aware of the concern expressed by the Derry city council. The Housing Executive is currently investigating whether there is a health risk to any of its tenants. Until these investigations have been completed the Housing Executive will not be in a position to make any proposals or to assess the financial implications.

Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland Housing Executive lettings, and in what areas, have heaters with asbestos components; how long such heaters have been used; what tests have been carried out on these heaters; what have been the results of such tests; what recommendations have been made as a result of the tests; and whether such recommendations have been, or will be acted upon.

Mr. Chris Patten

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but I understand from the chairman that the information is not readily available. I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.