Mr. Speaker, I agree with the hon. member that it is possible to use asbestos safely. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs has already made representations to the French government.
When I again have an opportunity to meet with President Chirac, I will make our concerns known to him. I will be able to assure him that, here in Canada and in many other countries, we are using asbestos products in a completely safe manner, and that he should not ban this product at this time and in any other circumstance, because it has been shown that, in certain circumstances, it can be used satisfactorily and very safely.