§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to business of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; and if he will make a statement. [88065]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe total costs of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 to business are estimated, over a 50-year period, at £1.5 billion. These future costs are discounted in present values under standard government accounting conventions. The regulations will help to prevent some 4,700 people dying from asbestos-related diseases from future exposure to asbestos in commercial buildings. This is equivalent to total benefits exceeding £3.0 billion. Full details of costs and benefits are contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment available in the Library.