§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has taken any initiatives to secure the safety of residents adjacent to redundant power stations which contain asbestos and which are likely in the foreseeble future to be demolished; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe demolition of power stations is subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Factories Act 1961 which are administered and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. Hazards arising to workpeople from the presence of asbestos dust during demolition work are controlled by the Asbestos Regulations 1969 and guidance on precautions to be taken is contained in an approved code of practice which applies to any work with asbestos insulation. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act includes provision for the protection of other persons, including the public, who may be affected by risks arising from work activities.
Her Majesty's inspectors of factories are responsible for enforcement of this legislation in connection with the demolition of power stations and inspect the work as a matter of priority, assisted as necessary by hygiene specialists, to monitor compliance with the legislation and guidance and, where necessary, to measure levels of asbestos dust in air. The inspectors liaise with local organisations, including local authorities. I understand from the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the commission will be considering what further action is necessary in the light of the reports of the working groups which it set up last year on aspects of exposure to asbestos and on controls and of the recent directives which have been agreed in Europe, subject to parliamentary reserve.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the factory inspectorate is engaged concerning the hazards of asbestos; how many of the factory inspectorate are directly engaged full time in monitoring asbestos hazards in factories, power stations and adjacent communities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that any one of the inspectors of factories in the Health and Safety Executive's field force may be engaged in the inspection of work 101W activities where hazards may arise from asbestos. Inspectors have the support of specialist occupational hygienists in the enforcement of controls.