§ Mrs. Clwydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that when factories, offices and so on under his control are sold, the future owners are made aware of any asbestos in their construction;
(2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that factories, offices and so on under his control are checked by the relevant authorities to ascertain whether asbestos is present in the construction.
§ Sir George YoungAll new leased buildings are surveyed before acquisition and attention is drawn in the survey reports to the presence of any asbestos based materials and appropriate recommendations made. Existing buildings have already been inspected to detect the presence of sprayed asbestos insulation and asbestos lagging and registers have been set up for such buildings giving the location of these materials together with all other asbestos based material known to be present. The condition of sprayed asbestos insulation and asbestos lagging is inspected by PSA inspectors at intervals not exceeding one year and other asbestos based materials at intervals not exceeding two years. In addition all premises are open to inspection at any time by factory inspectors under the control of the Health and Safety Executive.
With regard to the disposal of buildings under my control, it is a requirement that PSA estate surveyors advise prospective purchasers of the presence of asbestos which is known to be a significant health hazard.
§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what alternative arrangements for the disposal of asbestos from Faslane he is considering in the light of the decision by Monklands district council to withdraw its approval of facilities for dumping at Glenboig.
§ Sir George YoungSo far as I am aware the Glenboig tip has been properly licensed by the Monklands district council to accept asbestos waste; and remains licensed.