§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2000,Official Report, column 168W, concerning the carcinogenicity of fibre glass products, what advice his Department gives to local authorities about the safest materials that should be used for house insulation; and if he will make a statement. [121967]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Department encourages home insulation but has made no recommendation to local authorities concerning the safest material that should be used for house insulation.
The Department issued advice to local authorities on man made mineral fibres (including fibre glass) used as house insulation last year through the publication "Asbestos and man made mineral fibres in buildings, practical guidance". The publication is also available on the DETR website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk/asbestos/guide//index.htm).
249WThis guidance updates and replaces the advice on man made mineral fibres and loft insulation issued to local authorities in England and Wales in 1987 by the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office.