§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has any plans to introduce further legislation to control asbestos pollution in Scotland; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received asking him to introduce legislation to control asbestos pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramEight representations on the need for further controls over asbestos in the environment have been received over the last two years.
The emission of asbestos is controlled under the Health and Safety (Emissions into the Atmosphere) Regulations 1983. The handling and disposal of asbestos waste is controlled under the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980 and the Control of Pollution (Licensing of Waste Disposal) (Scotland) Regulations 1977, which are under review.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if Her Majesty's Government have any plans to finance safe asbestos removal programmes in Scotland.
§ Mr. AncramNo. The Government are opposed to wholesale asbestos replacement programmes since it is often preferable to leave asbestos materials undisturbed because they are already, or can easily be, securely protected.
Where asbestos treatment or removal is justified, expenditure for this purpose is a matter for local authorities and health boards which are best placed to identify any problems and to determine their own spending priorities. Nevertheless, my right hon. and learned Friend pays particular attention to any special needs brought to his attention in determining the resources to be made available to these authorities.