HC Deb 22 April 1996 vol 276 c45W
Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the Scottish Prison Service chief executive received the report of the Institute of Occupational Medicine on residual asbestos remaining in Barlinnie prison. [24871]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell, to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Mr. John McFall, dated 22 April 1996: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your question asking about the date on which I received the report of the Institute of Occupational Medicine (TOM) on residual asbestos remaining in Barlinnie Prison. The report was received in SPS HQ on 25 January and was passed to Barlinnie on 26 January. Subsequent tests which the IOM undertook on Barlinnie's behalf during March confirmed that asbestos levels were well within the safety limits. Tenders are now being sought for the immediate removal of what has been classified as "poor" quality asbestos. Other areas where asbestos is present but is classified as being either in a good or fair condition will be removed as part of an action plan being prepared by local management. In the meantime such areas will be monitored regularly at 3 monthly intervals, and where there are any signs of deterioration, arrangements will be made immediately for appropriate removal.

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