§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if financial provision will be granted to local authorities for programmes for the removal of asbestos; if grants will be made available to owner occupiers for the safe removal of asbestos; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend will take into account the financial implications for local authorities of asbestos removal when he determines the level of provision and aggregate Exchequer grant in the 1987–88 rate support grant settlement. For owner-occupiers, grants may be available for the removal of asbestos if the work forms part of a larger scheme of improvement or repair work which is eligible for grant.