§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has commissioned into the protection of workers from white asbestos; what representations he has received from the Health and Safety Commission on such protection; and if he will make a statement. [30733]
§ Mr. MeacherI have asked the Health and Safety Commission to develop proposals on a full range of regulatory measures to provide further protection for workers from all forms of asbestos. These measures include consideration of a mechanism and timetable for introducing a domestic ban on the import, supply and use of white asbestos. I will be making an announcement shortly on how the Government intend to proceed.