§ Dr. CableTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been spent by his Department and its agencies on(a) asbestos surveys and (b) the management and removal of asbestos since 1 January 2001; and what budget is available to (i) commission asbestos surveys and (ii) manage and remove asbestos from buildings in (A) 2003 and (B) 2004. [130914]
§ Mr. LammyMy Department's HQ Estate has spent £5,801 on asbestos surveys and £10,396 on the management and removal of asbestos since 2001. Funding for commissioning surveys and the management and removal of asbestos from the estate in 2003 and 2004 will be available from existing maintenance budgets.
The Court Service is unable to provide the information and figures without incurring disproportionate costs. They are preparing to comply with the 2004 duty by identifying where in buildings asbestos is present, assessing the risk and, depending on its condition and whether it is likely to be disturbed, taking action to manage the risk.