§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ban the import of all forms of asbestos; if he has received the Health and Safety Commission's recommendation on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [85473]
§ Mr. MeacherThe policy on asbestos is decided and is final. The import of blue and brown asbestos is already banned. Earlier this month, a draft European Directive was voted on which would tighten the restrictions on imports of white asbestos. An overwhelming majority 171W voted in favour. I am pleased to say that the Health and Safety Commission, at its meeting yesterday, approved draft Regulations to implement a ban, and I look forward to receiving its advice.
Unfortunately, there are legal problems in formally making the Regulations before the European Commission ratifies the vote of the technical committee. The Government are now lobbying the European Commission to adopt the directive as a matter of urgency.