Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 July 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Friday, 19 July 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What plans his Department has to provide assistance to Bermuda in respect of the disposal of asbestos waste.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans his Department has to provide assistance to Bermuda in respect of the disposal of asbestos waste.[37573] Mr. Clappison: Decision on the disposal of Bermuda's asbestos wastes are matters for the Government of Bermuda. I understand that a number of options are under consideration, including seeking disposal on land in the United Kingdom, but no final decisions have been taken. Should Bermuda wish to export asbestos waste to the United Kingdom for disposal on land, this would require a formal agreement between the two Governments for the purpose of the Basel convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal. Any request from Bermuda for such an agreement would be considered on its merits, in accordance with the policies set out in the United Kingdom management plan for exports and imports of waste, copies of which are in the Library.

Secondary information