HC Deb 09 December 1998 vol 322 cc197-8W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evidence he has obtained that contractors from other countries dump asbestos waste in Britain. [62636]

Mr. Meacher

The import of asbestos waste into Great Britain is controlled by the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992. Under these Regulations, the import of

Darren Murphy part-time special adviser. Advises on local government and housing. Richard Olszewski. Special adviser on transport issues.

Special Advisers are subject to the usual security clearance arrangements. It is not appropriate to give details about particular individual's level of security clearance.

Mr. Robert Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people in his Department are currently on secondment from private companies; and if he will list them, their companies and their current responsibilities within Government. [62831]

Ms Glenda Jackson

There are currently 11 people on secondment to the Department from private companies. They are listed:

amphibole (largely brown or blue) asbestos waste is prohibited. Proposals from the Health and Safety Commission, currently under consultation, will extend this prohibition to include the import of chrysotile (white) asbestos waste.

While derogations from the Regulations to allow imports may be sought, a certificate of exemption would be granted only in exceptional circumstances and be subject to stringent conditions. No certificates of exemption have so far been issued for the import of asbestos from another country into Great Britain.

There is no evidence of any illegal imports of asbestos waste into Great Britain.