MILITARY chiefs were rapped by the Health and Safety Executive after potentially exposing workers to deadly asbestos fibres.

A 2005 survey which found asbestos at an MoD base at Arncott, near Bicester, was ignored for more than a year.

Defence Estates accepted the Crown Censure and said it had taken action to prevent a recurrence.

The HSE cannot prosecute the MoD as both are Crown bodies.