HC Deb 02 July 2003 vol 408 cc364-5W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many social houses(a) in England and (b) in Shrewsbury and Atcham are inhabited which have been built using asbestos materials. [115032]

Phil Hope

The Statistical Evidence to support the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (published in May 2003 by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) estimates that approximately 394,000 flats in England (2 to 3 per cent, of the housing stock) are likely to have significant use of asbestos in construction. Three quarters of these dwellings were built between 1945 and 1980. The buildings most likely to be affected include high rise council estates built in the 1950s.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is unable to provide information on Shrewsbury and Atcham because they do not collect information on specific areas.