HC Deb 08 March 1991 vol 187 cc309-10W
Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action his office proposes to prevent the recurrence of the disease silicosis in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

The Health and Safety Commission is currently consulting with employers, trades unions and other interested parties on a proposal to set a maximum exposure limit of 0.4mg/m3 for respirable crystalline silica

Council district Estate/location Number of system built dwellings Type of construction (a) Number replaced (b) Number refurbished
1.
Coleraine borough council The Heights Coleraine 138 No fines concrete Nil 138
Coleraine borough council The Heights Coleraine 13 Aluminium bungalows Nil 13
Coleraine borough council Harper's hill Coleraine 373 Concrete construction with drylining Nil Nil
Coleraine borough council Larkfield estate Kilrea 35 Timber frame Nil Nil
Coleraine borough council Oakfield estate Kilrea 20 Timber frame Nil Nil
Coleraine borough council Glen Estate Portrush 184 Timber frame Nil Nil
2.
Magherafelt district council Ashgrove estate Magherafelt 70 Timber frame Nil Nil
Magherafelt district council Leckagh estate Magherafelt 111 Timber frame Nil Nil
Magherafelt district council Mullaghbuoy estate Magherafelt 54 Orlit Nil 54
Magherafelt district council Crawfordsburn Maghera 20 Aluminium bungalows Nil 20
Magherafelt district council Sunnyside Park Maghera 83 Timber frame Nil Nil
Magherafelt district council Mallon Villas Draperstown 19 Aluminium bungalows Nil 19

which is the main causative agent of silicosis. Such a limit, enforced under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988, should ensure very stringent control of exposure to respirable crystalline silica throughout industry.