§ Dame Judith Hartasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to ensure that the British Standards Institute audit of British standards to identify and eliminate references of asbestos is carried out urgently; and when he expects it to be completed.
§ Mr. PattieThe British Standards Institution has commenced the audit. It anticipates that about three months will be required to scan the portfolio of some 10,000 standards in order to identify those where action is required. Prior to the completion of this initial investigation it is not possible to predict when the audit will be completed. I share BSI's desire to complete this activity as soon as possible.