§ Mr. Humeasked 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[pursuant to his reply, 12 July 1984]: I am informed by the chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that between 9,500 and 10,500 Housing Executive dwellings throughout Northern Ireland have heaters with asbestos components; a precise breakdown of their locations is not available. Such heaters have been in use for approximately 10 to 20 years; no tests have yet been completed on heaters in situ, but tests are currently under way to establish if there is a health risk to any tenants.