HC Deb 28 February 1985 vol 74 c234W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what programmes British Rail has made to identify asbestos in its installations; what discoveries have been made, by location; what steps have been taken to (i) remove or (ii) otherwise make such asbestos safe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

This is primarily a matter for the management of British Rail. However I can tell the hon. Member that British Rail has an agreement with its trade unions on a timetable for removing asbestos from rolling stock by 1987. Asbestos in buildings and structures is removed or sealed in position as soon as there is any possibility that fibres may be released into the atmosphere. If it has to be disturbed for repairs it is removed as necessary.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what programmes London Regional Transport has to identify asbestos in its installations; what dicoveries have been made by location of (a) blue asbestos, (b) brown asbestos and (c) white asbestos; what plans there are for its (i) removal and (ii) otherwise making safe; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

This is primarily a matter for the management of London Regional Transport. However I understand that London Regional Transport has surveyed all installations containing asbestos and has identified its type.

Asbestos in buildings and structures is removed or sealed in position as soon as there is any possibility that fibres may be released into the atmosphere; if it has to be disturbed for repairs, it is removed as necessary.