§ 36. Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Commission about the health hazards arising from asbestos and other related products.
§ Mr. WaddingtonWe are in regular contact with the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission about the measures the commission is taking and proposes to take to deal with the health hazards of asbestos and products containing it.
This summer, I welcomed proposals for a number of new measures: the licensing of work with asbestos insulation and coating; for the prohibition of asbestos insulation, of the spraying of asbestos, and of the importation and use of crocidolite (blue asbestos); for the reductions in the control limits for exposure to asbestos at the workplace; and for reviews of the medical evidence and developments in control relating to asbestos. These are being pursued urgently by the Commission.
In addition, I understand that proposals for legislation covering further new controls on asbestos recommended by the advisory committee on asbestos are in preparation and will be published for consultation in due course.