§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure the speedy passage of the Asbestos Directive through the European Commission. [89343]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government are determined to apply further, necessary restrictions to the importation, marketing and use of white asbestos. I am hopeful that the European Commission will ratify, without undue delay, the vote of their technical committee to adapt to technical progress Council Directive 76/769/EEC. The UK continues to encourage the Commission to act swiftly on this vitally important measure. I have received advice from the Health and Safety Commission about domestic implementation of the Directive (when ratified) in the form of draft regulations. I will act on that advice as soon as the European Commission has ratified the vote of its technical committee.