§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action the Health and Safety 188W Commission has taken, since the recent army depot fire at Donnington, Shropshire, to ensure there is no public health and safety risk from asbestos dust.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 7 July 1983, c. 160]: I have, of course, already discussed this matter with my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Hawksley) and told him of the concern of the Health and Safety Commission. Inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive are currently involved in actions to minimise the risk of exposure of work people and members of the public to material containing asbestos released as a consequence of the fire.
These actions are continuing and close liaison is being maintained by the Health and Safety Executive with all parties concerned including the Wrekin district council.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the duties of the Health and Safety Commission to co-ordinate action at fires, such as the recent fire at an army depot at Donnington, Shropshire.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 7 July 1983, c. 160]: Where the Health and Safety Executive has responsibility for premises, liaison procedures are agreed by its area offices with the appropriate civil authorities, including the emergency services, so that assistance may be given to them by HSE at the time of an incident and in any subsequent investigation.
I have already discussed the specific action taken at Donnington, Shropshire, with my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Hawksley) and assured him that the usual procedures were followed.