HC Deb 20 November 1984 vol 68 cc81-2W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that no person without the appropriate protective equipment enters the submarine base at Faslane, Dumbarton, in view of the large asbestos dump discovered there.

Mr. Stanley

The asbestos dump is on an area of land which is fenced off and separate from the main operating part of the Faslane submarine base. All access to this land and work associated with its decontamination is, and will be, controlled in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive's requirements.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what date asbestos was discovered at the submarine base at Faslane, Dumbarton; how many people without protective equipment have entered the site since the discovery; when (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) the local authority was informed of its presence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

Ships have been broken up on the Gareloch by commercial firms, involving the removal of asbestos, since the 1940s. I understand that the company concerned, Shipbreaking Industries Limited, informed Dumbartonshire county council and the Factories Inspectorate in 1973 of the disposal of asbestos on the site. Work processes on the site were monitored by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate prior to January 1975 and have been since that date when the Factory Inspectorate was absorbed into the Health and Safety Executive.

It is not known how many people have entered the site since asbestos removal from ships started in the 1940s.

I have placed a copy of the Ministry of Defence (Navy) press statement relating to this asbestos dump which was issued on 30 October 1984 in the Library.