§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with other European Ministers on the production and use of asbestos-based building materials; and if he will make a statement. [38188]
§ Mr. ClappisonNo discussions on the use of asbestos-based building materials have taken place at ministerial level, but our officials continue to play an active part in EU negotiations and to promote awareness and understanding in EU discussion of asbestos issues.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department has taken to ensure asbestos-based building materials are clearly marked. [38186]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985 as amended require that any products containing asbestos are labelled in accordance with the schedule to the regulations. The label serves as a warning that asbestos is present, and gives details of precautions to be taken in handling the product.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated regarding the use of asbestos-based building materials in house building. [38185]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Department of the Environment has commissioned research on fibrous materials in the non-workplace environment. This includes a review of the past and current uses of asbestos in products and building materials. A report on this research will be published early next year.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to promote a ban on the import and use of asbestos-based building materials; and if he will make a statement. [38187]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe United Kingdom takes the view that prohibitions on the marketing and use of asbestos, including asbestos-based building materials, should be based on agreements within the European Union. The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 and their Northern Ireland equivalents implement EU legislation which totally prohibits the use of blue and brown asbestos, and some uses of white asbestos, in building materials. At present, the UK has no plans to promote an EU discussion for an extension of the existing ban.
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§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what statistics he has collected on the number of deaths from exposure to asbestos products. [38184]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Health and Safety Executive maintains a register on the number of deaths from mesothelioma and asbestosis, which are mostly related to exposure to asbestos fibres. This is published in "Health and Safety Statistics", the statistical supplement to the Health and Safety Commission's annual report.