§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the site of the former Liverpool royal infirmary has been cleared of asbestos; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[pursuant to her reply, 20 July 1987]: The former Liverpool royal infirmary, like many other hospitals, contains asbestos insulation to pipes and certain equipment. Earlier this year vandals disturbed an area of insulation which was subsequently stripped and fine cleaned at a cost of £40,000.
The building is vacant, but entry is now strictly controlled by security staff. Part of the building has been declared free of asbestos and certificates have been issued to that effect.
A team of chemical analysts is currently at work in the remaining part of the building to investigate the extent of asbestos and whether asbestos particles are present in the atmosphere. The team is to prepare a report for the Mersey regional health authority and will make recommendations for any further necessary work.
The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of Mersey regional health authority for further information.