§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he collates regarding the use of asbestos cement roof slates with special reference to(a) their current availability and commercial use, (b) the use of a permanent form of marking of the slates as containing asbestos and (c) the source of production; and if he will make a statement. [38809]
§ Mr. ClappisonNo information on the current availability, commercial use or source of production of asbestos cement roof slates is collated by my Department. However, it is estimated that asbestos cement products, including roof slates and profiled sheeting, account for 40 per cent. of the asbestos fibre currently used in the UK. The marking of asbestos products is covered by the Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985, as amended. These regulations require that asbestos and all products containing the mineral should be marked as such using a specified label. The label may be printed directly on the product, attached to it or attached to its packaging.