Prime Minister Chrétien Raises Concerns Regarding Proposed British Ban on Asbestos

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in a meeting today with Prime Minister Tony Blair during the Summit of the Eight in Denver, raised Canadian concerns about the British government's intention to ban the use of asbestos.

Earlier this week Parliamentary Undersecretary of State (Environment and Transport), Angela Eagle, announced that the British government intends to ban the import, supply and use of asbestos.

"Canadian technical and scientific experts will meet shortly with their British counterparts to discuss and answer questions on the specific properties of Canadian- mined chrysotile fibre," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Canada has unparalleled technical and scientific expertise on chrysotile fibre. We hope the U.K. will be willing to work with our team of experts in reviewing the scientific basis for the safe use of chrysotile fibre."

The Canadian Government supports the controlled use of chrysotile fibre. In this context, the Canadian Government and the Canadian industry signed, on March 3, 1997, a memorandum of understanding to promote the safe and responsible use of chrysotile fibre.

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