§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to the banning of the use of asbestos in the United Kingdom. [67986]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government are firmly committed to finding both a national and a Europe-wide solution to the problem of asbestos, which must be based on sound science. The European Commission's draft proposals for further restrictions on the marketing and use of white asbestos within the EU are likely to be voted on by Member States in March 1999. I expect to receive the Health and Safety Commission's recommendation on a British ban at around the same time, following its recent consultation exercise.