§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the European Economic Community directives on asbestos controls; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Waddington[pursuant to his reply,1 July 1981, Vol 7, c. 357]: Negotiations are currently taking place on two Economic Community draft directives relating to controls on exposure to asbestos. One draft directive proposes certain restrictions on the marketing and use of asbestos and products containing it, whilst the other contains proposals for the protection of workers from the risks related to asbestos at work.
My colleagues and I are considering further the advice we have received from the Health and Safety Commission on the recommendations made in the reports of the advisory committee on asbestos and their relationship to the draft directives. We will be seeking to agree with other member States a harmonised, practicable and enforceable policy on asbestos. As negotiations proceed, the United Kingdom will aim to ensure that at least existing United Kingdom standards of protection can be maintained, that there is no competitive disadvantage to the United Kingdom asbestos industry and that account is taken of the advisory committee's recommendations.