KEVIN Rudd is under pressure to guarantee householders and installers are free from the risk of cancer-causing agents carried in imported insulation.

The Prime Minister was subjected to Opposition questions in parliament today about why he did not disclose the substance of briefings received between August 2009 and March 2010 on the home insulation scheme, The Australian reports.

Last week, Mr Rudd revealed to parliament he received a letter from Minister Garrett about compliance issues with the home insulation program as early as August 14 last year.

He also admitted receiving further letters but refused to release them citing cabinet process, a claim he repeated today.

“This correspondence between the minister and myself constituted cabinet related correspondence,” he said.

Today he was asked by the Liberal MP for Forrest and Opposition Deputy Whip, Nola Marino, whether he could guarantee that all installations were compliant with the national code of practice for the safe use of mineral fibres.

“Can the Prime Minister also guarantee that under his home insulation scheme no householder or installer is at risk from imported insulation that may contain or have been treated with cancer-causing agents?” she asked.

Mr Rudd said he could not issue the guarantee and referred Ms Marino to previous statements made by himself, Greg Combet, who is charged with cleaning up the home insulation scheme, and Mr Garrett.

“We'll be dealing with each practical problem as it arises for the households concerned,” he said.

Last month claims emerged Mr Garrett was warned of cheap batts smelling of formaldehyde being imported from China, Thailand and the US.

Formaldehyde is a harmful chemical that can cause respiratory problems and cancer.