Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to construct an asbestos cement pipe to Belfast from the Silent Valley reservoir, which other countries in the European Union have prohibited the use of asbestos cement pipes for the flow of drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the use of asbestos cement pipes for the flow of drinking water in Northern Ireland. [33902]
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§ Mr. MossPlans are now at an advanced stage for replacement of two sections of the Mourne Conduit totalling 3.8 km. The conduit conveys water from the Silent Valley reservoir to Belfast.
Tenders under consideration include a number based on the use of asbestos cement pipes. No decision has been taken on the pipe material.
Asbestos cement pipes have in the past been one of a range of pipe materials used in Northern Ireland in accordance with nationally approved standards. This is consistent with UK practice. The use of a pipe laying material by member states of the European Union is a matter for internal decision by the authorities in those states.