Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of(a) the presence and (b) the effects on health of asbestos fibres in water systems using asbestos cement pipes; what proposals exist to monitor the presence of asbestos fibres in the proposed Mourne to Belfast water supply pipelines; what is the estimated cost of monitoring the pipeline during its working lifetime; and if he will make a statement about the use of asbestos cement pipes for water supply systems. [41906]
§ Mr. MossThe Department has commissioned a study by the water research centre to advise on the use of asbestos cement pipes for public water supply. The questions asked by the right hon. Gentleman are being considered as part of the study. I will let him know the outcome of the study in due course.