§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance her Department issues to those constructing buildings for which it is responsible on the use of materials containing asbestos. [52310]
§ Mr. DenhamFollowing the PRIME initiative which. transferred the ownership of the Department's estate on 1 April 1998, all building related work, including new
186W1 May 1997 and (b) in the previous 15 months; how many requested a review; and how many had the benefit restored. [52259]
(2) how many recipients of the disability living allowance have had the allowance withdrawn (a) since 1 May 1997 and (b) in the previous 15 months; how many requested a review; and how many had their disability living allowance restored. [52258]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information is not available in the format requested but some relevant figures are given in the table.
constructions, is provided to the Department by the private sector consortium Trillium, previously known as PPM.
Trillium are contractually obliged to use building materials and consumables that comply with any relevant European or British Standard or Code of Practice and, where reasonably able, to procure them from sources that practise environmentally friendly policies. They must also comply with all UK or European Law and all Statutory requirements.
The agreement with Trillium requires them to bring all existing accommodation up to statutory requirements within 2 years and they have been charged with achieving a very good BREEAM rating for both existing sites and new developments. They must also undertake assessments covering all aspects of the Department's facilities, and sites, to identify significant hazards and risks within the workplace. They will build on and maintain the Department's asbestos register and carry out regular inspections to monitor the condition of asbestos and, when necessary, they will remove it under controlled conditions. Technical Audits will be carried out by the Department's contract management team, with expert consultancy support where appropriate, and if requested Trillium will have to supply evidence to demonstrate their compliance.