France orders inquiry into ship

PARIS, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- French officials said they will investigate how much asbestos remains on an India-bound decommissioned aircraft carrier to clarify discrepancy questions.

French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said a 30-ton discrepancy exists between what a French firm says it had removed from the carrier Clemenceau and what was received at a waste site, reports the BBC. The minister said the firm had refused to submit documents about the weight discrepancy.

India has asked for the information before allowing the vessel to enter its waters and sail to the western state of Gujarat where it was scheduled to be scrapped. Environmentalists are opposing the project because of concerns over the toxic substance.

The Clemenceau is currently in the Arabian Sea, after leaving Toulon on Dec. 31.