§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that all dangerous substances were removed from HMS Ark Royal prior to the handing over to the shipbreakers.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to ensure that any written guarantees in relation to health and safety procedures given by the shipbreaking contractors for HMS Ark Royal have been adhered to.
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§ Mr. LeeThe normal procedures were followed for the sale of HMS Ark Royal. It is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that shipbreaking contractors comply with health and safety regulations. As an additional precaution, the Health and Safety Executive will in future be consulted before invitations to tender are issued for shipbreaking work involving the removal of asbestos and will be advised when contracts are placed so that the work can be monitored by its inspectors as necessary.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what contacts there have been between officers of his Department and officers of the Health and Safety Executive, officers of Wigtown district council and staff of any of the firms involved in breaking up HMS Ark Royal regarding dangers to workers and local residents from the shipbreaking at Cairnryan.
§ Mr. LeeIn the case of HMS Ark Royal the main shipbreaking contractor gave the required written undertaking to abide by asbestos regulations and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 when the contract was placed. As stated in response to an earlier question by the hon. Member, it is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that shipbreaking contractors comply with health and safety regulations.