§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has had from district councils, regional councils and island councils to his circular 26/1983 asking them to carry out a survey to determine the extent of asbestos; and if his Department will provide financial support towards the cost of such surveys.
§ Mr. AncramThe Secretary of State has received responses to circular 26/1983 from two housing authorities. Neither indicated a major problem, one is using its building inspectors to survey its stock for asbestos as part of their other duties. As with other elements of housing need, it is a matter for housing authorities to determine the extent to which asbestos has been used in their stock and to programme for its removal within the resources available to them.