Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 9 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 May 2000. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Thursday, 18 May 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the Answer of 3rd May, Official Report, column 168W, concerning the carcinogenicity of fibre glass products, what advice his Department gives to local authorities about the safest materials that should be used for house insulation; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to "Asbestos and man made mineral fibres in buildings, practical guidance".

Answer: Mr. Wigley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2000, Official Report, column 168W, concerning the carcinogenicity of fibre glass products, what advice his Department gives to local authorities about the safest materials that should be used for house insulation; and if he will make a statement. [121967] Mr. Meacher: The Department encourages home insulation but has made no recommendation to local authorities concerning the safest material that should be used for house insulation. The Department issued advice to local authorities on man made mineral fibres (including fibre glass) used as house insulation last year through the publication "Asbestos and man made mineral fibres in buildings, practical guidance" The publication is also available on the DETR website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk/ asbestos/guide//index.htm). This guidance updates and replaces the advice on man made mineral fibres and loft insulation issued to local authorities in England and Wales in 1987 by the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121967; 350 c246-7W;350 c248-9W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Cancer Housing Health hazards Health and safety Insulation Local government Carcinogens Synthetic fibres
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk