HC Deb 08 December 1998 vol 322 cc122-3W
Mr. Truswell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the extent of illicit recycling of asbestos into building materials; and if he will make a statement. [62358]

Mr. Raynsford

Asbestos waste is controlled under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Special Waste Regulations 1996. The Environment Agency has responsibility for the enforcement of the relevant legislation.

The Environment Agency has no evidence to indicate that asbestos is being illicitly recycled into building materials.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with the British Occupational Hygiene Society on the dangers to working people of contact with asbestos; and if he will make a statement. [62596]

Mr. Meacher

The Health and Safety Executive and British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) are in regular contact, and are planning a series of joint roadshows scheduled for early next summer to raise awareness of the dangers of contact with asbestos at work and to explain how to reduce the risks.