§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the Health and Safety Commission, is likely to report upon its inquiry into asbestos; how many public sessions have been held by the various working parties; and if all the evidence presented will be published together with the report of the inquiry.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that it is still too early to say when the Advisory Committee on Asbestos will issue its final report. The first meeting of the Committee was held only in June 1976 and some of the written evidence was not received until December.
However, the Advisory Committee has submitted to the Health and Safety Commission an interim statement setting the health risks from asbestos in perspective in the light of present knowledge. This is to be published on 25th January.
So far, none of the working groups has held public sessions. They have concentrated on collecting and discussing factual information relevant to their field including that contained in the written evidence submitted to the Committee. However, the Committee has decided in principle to hold some meetings in public and is considering how such meetings should be organised.
On the publication of the evidence given to the Committee and its final report, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 18th May 1976—
the Committee's report and the evidence to it will be published by the Health and Safety Commission".—[Vol. 911, c. 1219.]