§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from(a) Eternit of Belgium and (b) Saint-Gobain SA of France concerning the provision of asbestos substitutes. [39295]
§ Dr. Whitehead[holding answer 1 March 2002]: I have been asked to reply.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was in regular correspondence with Eternit UK, as a manufacturer of asbestos cement products, when it was planning legislation to prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. Officials from HSE also met 1016W representatives from the company in February 1997, when the availability of asbestos substitute materials was discussed.
When the Health and Safety Commission consulted on draft Regulations in autumn 1998, Eternit UK commented on the proposals, giving their full support.
I am not aware of any similar contacts with Saint-Gobain.