across Bermuda, the Environment Minister said yesterday.

And Irving Pearman said Government was pressing ahead with plans for a hi-tech asbestos treatment plant to turn the deadly dust into a harmless material which can be mixed with concrete.

He added that technical experts had visited a similar plant in Washington DC and were making recommendations about setting up an asbestos recycling centre in Bermuda.

"Two million dollars has been accrued for the disposal of asbestos,'' said Mr. Pearman.

"The thermo-chemical approach we are considering would produce a new substance which contains none of the chemical properties usually associated with asbestos.'' Shadow Minister Leon (Jimmy) Williams supported the idea -- and warned against dumping asbestos in the ocean.

He said: "The plant is a great find because we need a solution for our asbestos.

"Dumping it in the ocean isn't the answer. That just creates a problem for future generations and for marine life and it's not the most environmental solution.

"The adverse international publicity would also hurt Bermuda as a tourist destination. But I'm glad to say Bermuda is environmentally safe when compared to many other countries.''