§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has received from Able UK Ltd. reports on the condition of the visible asbestos on board the ships from the US Naval Reserve docked at Hartlepool; and if he will make a statement. [148615]
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 19 January 2004]: DWP has not received any reports. However, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Health and Safety Executive, Able UK arranged for an inspection to be undertaken of the visible asbestos aboard the four US Naval Reserve ships prior to the ship leaving the US. In accordance with said conditions Able UK advised HSE on 6 October for the first two ships and 17 October for the second two that the visual condition of the asbestos aboard was good. The ships docked in Hartlepool on 12, 13, 27 November and 3 December, soon after they arrived Able UK confirmed to HSE that the asbestos remained in a satisfactory condition. On 10 December 603W inspectors from HSE made a tour of one of the ships and confirmed Able UK's report that the visual condition of the asbestos in accessible locations was good.