§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if Her Majesty's Government has any plans to finance safe asbestos removal programmes in the Province;
(2) if he has any plans to introduce legislation further to control asbestos pollution in the Province; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what representations he has received asking him to introduce legislation to control asbestos pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Government have no plans to finance an asbestos removal programme. It is proposed to introduce subordinate legislation for Northern Ireland later this year to bring atmospheric pollution from specified industrial processes involving asbestos under the control of the alkali and radiochemical inspectorate. It is also planned to introduce new regulations. supported by an approved code of practice, for the control of asbestos at work. These will implement the EC directives on asbestos and will provide further protection for employees and others from health risks arising from work with asbestos. No representations regarding legislation on asbestos have been received.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have died from asbestos-related diseases in the Province in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information is as follows:
Deaths from Asbestos Related Diseases Number 1981 12 1982 10
(b) Of the EEC sources listed below. ESF provides assistance towards the cost of vocational training and job creation schemes. The others provide funds for capital investment in infrastructure or industry (including Agriculture). The figures given are actual payments from these sources. Calendar year European Social Fund (ESF) £ million European Regional Development Fund £ million European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund £ million European Investment Bank (Loans) £ million Urban Renewal Regulation £ million Total £ million 1976 12.0 7.2 1.6 17.6 — 38.4 1977 7.7 6.4 2.3 18.5 — 34.9 1978 13.5 4.0 0.8 — — 18.3 1979 21.9 16.0 0.8 52.3 — 91.0 1980 21.2 21.0 3.1 49.0 — 94.3 1981 26.3 16.5 2.1 6.0 — 50.9 1982 35.6 18.0 2.3 0.3 — 56.2 1983 34.9 13.5 3.1 13.9 *14.9 80.3 1984 24.3 16.9 1.3 12.5 *14.2 69.2 1985 23.0 17.4 2.9 5.9 *23.3 72.5 Total 220.4 136.9 20.3 176.0 52.4 606.0 * Financial years 516W
(c) Investment in capital projects by the public sector in Northern Ireland is as follows: Financial Year £ million 1976–77 370 1977–78 376
Number 1983 14 1984 17 1985 11