§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what share of the cost of clearing the Holyrood site is to be borne by the purchaser and what share will be met from public funds, with respect to (i) known asbestos hazard and (ii) unforeseen asbestos hazard. [30853]
§ Mr. McLeishAsbestos within the existing buildings at Holyrood is stable and safe if it is handled appropriately. It will be removed by Scottish and Newcastle at their expense, or by the main contractor at no extra cost to public funds. The commercial arrangements for dealing with any unforeseen conditions on the site were set out in the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member on 17 February 1998,Official Report, column 581.