§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy towards advising third-world countries of the dangers of importing and using asbestos. [50705]
§ Clare ShortMy Department is committed to working with our partner countries in their efforts to develop and implement national strategies for sustainable development. This includes working to improve standards of environmental regulation and reverse overall trends in environmental degradation, which may include advice on the use and handling of asbestos in specific cases.
The UK has previously assisted the Hirakud Power Station in India to assess health risks associated with the existence of asbestos lagging, and to identify the most appropriate and safe ways of removing and disposing of hazardous materials.
European Council Regulation No. 2455/92 concerning exports and imports of certain dangerous chemicals establishes a system by which third countries, including developing countries, which import chemicals banned or severely restricted in the European Community are notified of the potential dangers and are informed of the safety precautions which have to be taken, and of the use restrictions of the products within the Community.
The Regulation also implements the procedure of Prior Informed Consent set up by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. This means that EC exporters have to comply with the import conditions of countries participating in the procedures. Asbestos is one of the substances covered by the Regulation, which is implemented in the United Kingdom by the Health and Safety Executive.