§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the reductions in existing United Kingdom health and safety standards involved in adopting Regulation 9369/82 of the European Community, stating clearly the two standards concerned in full; and if he will issue a revised explanatory memorandum setting these out.
§ Mr. GummerWe are most anxious to secure agreement on asbestos use and marketing in the European Community. Common action of this kind is a valuable advantage of our membership of the Common Market. Council document 9369/82 of the European Community Commission for a directive on the marketing and use of asbestos, taking into account the opinion of the European Parliament. The revised proposal contained provisions for the prohibition of the marketing and use of raw crocidolite—blue asbestos—and products containing it. for the prohibition of the marketing and use of certain applications of other types of asbestos, and for the labelling of asbestos products.
The proposals contained in document 9369/82 have now been superseded by further developments in the discussions between member states on this draft directive; and it is unlikely that document 9369/82 will be considered for adoption by the Council of the European Communities. The new proposals would not reduce United Kingdom health and safety standards nor prevent the United Kingdom from operating a total ban on crocidolite. An updating explanatory memorandum setting out the latest proposals and the changes which have been made in discussions was issued on 14 April.