HL Deb 17 January 1983 vol 437 cc1277-8WA
Lord Hale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In how many cases in the last 12 months were there reports of breaches of safety regulations in respect of asbestos used in industry and in how many cases were prosecutions initiated and with what result.

Earl Ferrers

Comprehensive information about

Notices issued Prosecutions completed
Improvement notices Prohibition notices Relevant informations laid Convictions Withdrawn Dismissed Average fine per conviction £
Relating to precautions against inhalation or contact with asbestos 12 49 22 16 1 5 250
Similar information for local authorities is not available.

Lord Belstead

The issue has not been discussed in the World Bank board since October 1980 when, with the support of the United Kingdom representative, the bank approved an $8 million loan for a study of alternative hydro-electric schemes. That study has not yet been completed. However, the feasibility of the Upper Mazarumi project will depend, not only upon the availability of substantial funds from a number of sources, but also upon an assured demand for the power. A potential source of demand would be an aluminium smelter but, in the present depressed state of the aluminium industry, there is no immediate prospect of one being established in the area. I am aware that Venezuela has made representations to the World Bank in the past, but I am assured that the bank will make its decision on technical and economic grounds.