§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to prohibit the use of asbestos in roof tiles. [41083]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Health and Safety Commission, in conjunction with my Department, will include the scope of asbestos prohibitions when reviewing the legislation. No doubt, asbestos-containing roof tiles will form part of this review. I will respond when this advice is received.
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake an evaluation of the effectiveness and independence of asbestos sampling companies. [41106]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordAs part of the Health and Safety Executive's monitoring of the effectiveness of asbestos regulations, the HSE investigates the performances of asbestos sampling companies where appropriate. The Health and Safety Commission's approved codes of practice on asbestos strongly encourage employers to use laboratories that are accredited by the national measurement accreditation service.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to ensure that companies introduce an asbestos control programme in their workplace buildings, along the lines of the Health and Safety Executive booklet, "Managing Asbestos in Workplace Buildings". [41104]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThis is being promoted though the "Good Health is Good Business" campaign and by the HSE field inspectors during visits to businesses.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake an evaluation of the safety of asbestos respirators. [41108]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI refer the hon. Member to the HSE study "Workplace Effectiveness of Respiratory Protective Equipment for Asbestos Removal Work", published in July 1996.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will assess the advantages of introducing a ban on the use of white asbestos in British industry. [41103]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMany uses of white asbestos are already prohibited. Whether or not the regulations should be extended will be a matter the Health and Safety Commission will consider in its current review of the legislation on asbestos. I will consider its recommendations carefully.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake a study of the best methods of asbestos removal and sealing techniques. [41107]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI do not intend to carry out such a study. The Health and Safety Executive already keeps under review the available techniques for asbestos removal and sealing, and issues guidance as appropriate. For example, HSE inspectors require all those undertaking asbestos removal operations to use controlled wet removal techniques unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
1055W
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake an evaluation of the effectiveness of the asbestos licensing scheme. [41105]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 have been subject to two reviews by the Health and Safety Commission. These reviews found that the regulations have been effective and were working well.
The Health and Safety Commission has also recently completed public consultation on a discussion document which outlined some possible adjustments to the licensing regime. The commission will be considering the results of the consultation, and I will examine any proposals the commission might subsequently make for amendments to legislation.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake an evaluation of the value and purpose of medical examinations for workers who are currently or were previously exposed to asbestos. [41109]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI do not intend to carry out such an evaluation. The Health and Safety Commission keeps under review the need for specific provisions of health and safety legislation. [41109]