HC Deb 03 February 1997 vol 289 cc446-7W
Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the incidence of Lyme disease in the highlands of Scotland and in each of the other health board areas in each of the last three years; and what steps are being taken to prevent its spread. [13911]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Lyme disease has been a notifiable disease in Scotland since January 1990. The number of statutory notifications, by health board area, for 1994, 1995 and 1996 is as follows:

Mr. Clappison

The United Kingdom takes the view that prohibitions on the marketing and use of asbestos should be based on agreements within the European Union. The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 and the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 implement directive 91/659/EEC and prohibit the importation and use of many forms of asbestos. Efforts will continue within the United Kingdom to find suitable alternatives to the remaining uses of asbestos, and to encourage the use of substitute products, but a total ban will not be instituted without EU agreement.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what current research his Department has commissioned on the safe removal of asbestos from buildings in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [13560]

Sir Paul Beresford

None, but the Health and Safety Executive has commissioned such research in the past. HSE keeps under review the available techniques for asbestos removal and issues guidance as appropriate.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the most recent review was undertaken of the asbestos licensing scheme in the United Kingdom; how many companies have been grated such licences; what are the criteria for granting such a licence; and if he will make a statement. [13562]

Sir Paul Beresford

The Health and Safety Commission last reviewed the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 in 1988.

The Health and Safety Executive does not distinguish in its records between licences granted to companies and those granted to individuals or partnerships. On 28 January 1997, a total of 730 licences were in force.

Applicants for licences are required to demonstrate during a formal interview a good theoretical and practical knowledge of the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987, the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983, the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the approved code of practice for work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board published by the Health and Safety Commission.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of his Department on the labelling of asbestos installed in buildings; and if he will make a statement. [13559]

Mr. Clappison

The 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.

The Department of the Environment's guidance on asbestos, "Asbestos Materials in Buildings", recommends that the presence of an asbestos material should be noted on plans or other records, and that building owners should make known the existence of asbestos to workers or others who may be affected.