HC Deb 04 March 1994 vol 238 cc22-3W
Mr. Bendel

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many homes let to tenants by the Church Commissioners contain untreated amosite.

Mr. Alison

The commissioners are not aware of any instance where amosite has been discovered in their residential property. However, it was used extensively in the building trade as heating insulation from circa 1930 to circa 1970, although it is not toxic when in a stable condition.

Mr. Rendel

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, (1) how many complaints were(a) lodged and (b) substantiated against the Church Commissioners in their capacity as landlords in each year between 1983 and 1993;

(2) which body is responsible for investigating complaints against the Church Commissioners in their capacity as landlords.

Mr. Alison

There is no specific body responsible for investigating complaints against the Church Commissioners or other private landlords. The commissioners' tenants, in common with others, may have recourse to the local authority's environmental health officer, or to the courts, as appropriate. The commissioners and their managing agents receive complaints from time to time and these are dealt with as the circumstances require.