§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what obligations there are for an organisation or person demolishing a building that is known to contain asbestos to report to a local authority that it is their intention to demolish such a building; and if he will make a statement. [1703]
§ Mr. ClappisonAny organisation or individual intending to demolish certain types of buildings is required to notify the local authority of their intention to do so. Buildings covered by this requirement are listed in section 80 of the Building Act 1984.
The local authority may respond to the notice by imposing conditions on the demolition work including removal of material or rubbish from the site and measures for the protection of the public and preservation of public amenity. Depending on the nature of the conditions, the organisation or individual must notify the local authority again 24 or 48 hours before the required action is taken.
For buildings containing asbestos, additional requirements depend on the nature and position of the asbestos in the building. If the building contains asbestos insulation or coating this should be removed wherever possible before any other demolition work begins. Such removal should be undertaken only by contractors licensed under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983.