As the Minister of State is aware since the time Britain refused to accept our asbestos and industrial waste we have found an outlet in France. However, because of the extreme cost in shipping this waste to France cowboys are getting in on the act and undercutting legitimate contractors. There is also a temptation for these cowboys to dump illegally asbestos stripped from old factories and other locations. Is the Minister of State aware of this problem and what does she intend to do about it?

I am aware that cowboys are always prepared to get in and do many things which are not desirable. These are among the matters being investigated by my Department.