§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what sum from the money allocated to his Department following the Comprehensive Spending Review will be used to remove asbestos from buildings within the National Health Service. [51865]
§ Mr. MilburnThe National Health Service Estates Agency collects information on backlog maintenance which is recorded in three categories: physical condition, statutory and non-statutory standards, together with fire safety. The cost of removing asbestos is contained within the statutory and non-statutory standards element.
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional resources for the NHS totalling £17.7 billion over the years 1999–2000 to 2001–02 on 14 July 1998, Official Report, columns 187–211. Details on the allocation of these resources will be announced in due course. However, ultimately it will be for trusts to determine what proportion of their backlog maintenance capital allocation should be apportioned to asbestos removal, depending on local circumstances determined as part of their health and safety risk management strategies.