Asbestos fears in prisons

Asbestos can cause a rare form of lung cancer

Prisoners could take legal action against the Government over the high level of asbestos in UK jails, the Liberal Democrats have warned.

Of the 138 prisons in England and Wales, 129 were found to contain the deadly particles according to the party.

There are currently five legal cases in progress involving claims from officers at Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight, Haslar in Hampshire, Wormwood Scrubs and Swansea prisons.

Meanwhile three prison officers from Gloucester, Lancaster and Bristol have settled claims in the last three years.

Unless the Government takes action, it could be leaving itself open to possible future legal claims from former inmates, as well as prison officers. Lib Dem trade and industry spokesman, Vince Cable

Out of court payments were made in each case.

Home Office ministers have said the jails are safe providing the material is not "disturbed" or "damaged".

Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesman, Vince Cable said: "Unless the Government takes action, it could be leaving itself open to possible future legal claims from former inmates, as well as prison officers.

"It is not clear what precise action the government is taking to tackle this very serious issue.

"It is prison officers who are most vulnerable - a number of officers have already had cause to make claims for asbestos related illness."

Official statistics show there were 7,553 instances of "wilful damage" to prison property in 2001 and 62 rioting incidents in UK prisons in the year to May 2003.

Home Office minister, Fiona MacTaggart has responded to the issue, saying, asbestos is only a "risk" to health if fibres are released into the air and breathed in.

She added the Home Office has complied with current regulations ensuring "the safety of staff, contractors, inmates or visitors from asbestos".