§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of Slate for the Environment (1) whether he will make a statement on the 850W use of asbestos in the Palace of Westminster;
(2) whether he will make a statement on the health hazards to hon. Members and others using the House of Commons Chamber in view of the use of asbestos in the roof.
§ Mr. MarksThe asbestos present in the Palace of Westminster was mainly installed during works carried out in the early 1950s. Crocidolite (blue) asbestos is in use as a lining in the ventilation extract duct above the House of Commons Chamber and amosite and chrysotile (white) asbestos as pipework insulation and as a lining on ceilings and parts of some walls in rooms in the Victoria Tower. Other "blue" asbestos used to line the walls and ceilings of the plant rooms was removed in 1975 and 1977 "White" asbestos insulating pipework has been removed on occasions when modifications have been made or the insulation damaged. During the Summer Recess the "blue" asbestos lining in the ventilation extract duct was resealed and the roof space decontaminated. The previous sealing had deteriorated. "White" asbestos forming interior linings of the ventilation ducts which feed air to parts of the Commons, including the Chamber, has also been replaced with asbestos-free material. Air samples taken in the Palace, including the Commons Chamber, show insignificant levels of contamination well below the hygiene standard recommended by the Health and Safety Executive. It is intended to make arrangements for the removal of the remaining "blue" asbestos as soon as practicable.
I have nothing to add to what the Health and Safety Executive said about health hazards in the Commons Chamber in its letter of 15th September to all Members.