§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to ensure compliance with the regulations which are required to be observed in dealing with the asbstos dump at the submarine base at Faslane, Dumbarton; and what are his plans in respect of this asbestos.
§ Mr. StanleyA decision has yet to be taken on the most suitable way of dealing with the asbestos contamination in an area separate from the main operating part of the Faslane submarine base. When this has been decided, the work programme will be discussed with, and approved by, the Health and Safety Executive, and the working procedures will be in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the asbestos regulations 1969 and the Health and Safety Commission's approved code of practice on work with asbestos. The Department is also fully aware of its responsibilities under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and has already taken precautions 337W to prevent access to the area both by the erection of security fences in 1981 and, recently, by the placing of warning notices.