§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of any health hazards arising from the use of asbestos cement water mains.
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§ Mr. Giles ShawMy Department commissioned the Water Research centre to study asbestos in water supplies, with particular reference to the effect of use of asbestos cement water mains. A report on this work is expected to be published later this year. It was shown that asbestos cement pipes did not appreciably raise the asbestos fibre content of water, and the levels found were within the range which occurred naturally. In the United Kingdom the levels of asbestos in water supplies are significantly lower than those in most other countries where the problem has been studied. I am advised that ingestion of water with levels of asbestos such as those found in the United Kingdom present no risk to health.
§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the potential risks to health involved, he will take steps to ensure that the asbestos waste from the several coal-power stations to be demolished in south Yorkshire is not dumped in the old Mexborough power station.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThis is a matter for south Yorkshire county council. However, I understand that a planning application has been made for the use of some underground cells or cellars at the old Mexborough power station for the processing and disposal of asbestos waste. Waste disposal sites must also be licensed under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The movement of asbestos including lagging from redundant power stations is subject to the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980. In addition such operations are subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.