§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cases were heard in 1999 against employers who had exposed their workforce to asbestos; how many employers were found guilty of this offence; and what fines were imposed. [109998]
§ Mr. MeacherInformation for December 1999 is not yet available.
Between 1 January and 30 November 1999, 39 cases were heard for breaches of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 (as amended). This figure includes cases against both employers and the self-employed, and comprises 100 informations laid, or charges preferred (Scotland). It includes all breaches of the Regulations, not all of which may have been for permitting the exposure of employees to asbestos.
The provisional results, recorded so far, indicate that there were 31 guilty verdicts on individual informations laid or charges preferred. One case was referred to a higher court on indictment, 67 cases were adjourned, and a result of not guilty was found on one charge preferred.
The fines imposed as a result of the 31 guilty verdicts on individual informations laid or charges preferred were as follows:
- 1 fine of £100,000
- 2 fines of £60,000
- 3 fines of £6,000
- 5 fines of £5,000
- 2 fines of £4,000
- 3 fines of £3,500
- 3 fines of £2,500
- 2 fines of £2,000
- 1 fine of £1,500
- 4 fines of £1,000
- 1 fine amount unrecorded.
In addition three cases resulted in a Community Service order and one defendant was conditionally discharged.