HC Deb 30 July 1976 vol 916 cc481-2W
Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a report on working conditions in HMSO, Sovereign House, Norwich resulting from the use of blue asbestos in the construction of the building.

Mr. Armstrong

During building alterations to the two-storey computer block between Sovereign House and Gildengate House analysis confirmed the presence of blue asbestos fibres in the fire protective coating of structural steelwork. Tests showed dust levels in occupied areas to be within permitted limits but as a precaution staff have been moved whilst the alterations are carried out. In the course of the works all blue asbestos will be either removed or completely sealed. So far as can be ascertained no blue asbestos was used in the construction of Sovereign House itself.

for which figures are available; and what proportion of the total local authority housing stock these figures represent for each year cited.

Mr. Armstrong

The information is as follows: