§ Mr. Michieasked the Paymaster General if he will take action to amend the Asbestos Regulations 1969 so that 480W single demolition operations are brought within the scope of the regulations in the light of the recent successful appeal brought by AI Industrial Products plc in the Appeal Court.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Asbestos Regulations 1969 are due to be replaced by the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations which will apply to all work with asbestos. These regulations are in the final stages of preparation and should be laid before Parliament later in the year.
Meanwhile, I am advised that the 1969 regulations will continue to apply to building operations, including demolition. If in any cases the regulations do not apply, the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 will.