§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will study the Swedish legislation banning asbestos with a view to the possibility of similar legislation in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerWe are aware of the Swedish legislation. Although in principle this prohibits the use of asbestos, in practice it does permit its use, subject to certain conditions.
The advisory committee on asbestos has recommended the prohibition of asbestos insulation, the prohibition of the spraying of asbestos, and the prohibition of the importation of crocidolite and products containing it. Action is being taken by the Health and Safety Commission to implement these recommendations and we look forward to receiving their proposals in due course.
Employees in employment Thousands Change in numbers between December each year 1978–79 1979–80 *1980–81 *1981–82 Electronics (MLHs 363, 364, 366 and 367) +11.4 -5.2 -13.7 -5.8 Engineering (Orders VII, IX and X) -34.6 -157.4 -133.5 -85.3 Food (MLHs 211 to 218, 221 and 229) +0.8 -24.6 -22.8 -19.0 Chemicals and allied industries (Order V) +1.7 -26.0 -21.5 -22.6 Tobacco (MLH 240) -1.4 -1.4 -2.1 -1.4 Textiles (Order XIII) -32.8 76.5 -31.0 -18.1 * Provisional