§ Dr. CableTo ask the Solicitor-General what actions her Department and its Agency are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether she has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if she will make a statement. [118850]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers is fully aware of its obligations under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations and believes it is fully compliant, having commissioned survey reports and held asbestos registers since at least 1994, the last such survey report and register being dated 27 September 2002. This identified only minimal presence of asbestos, requiring no immediate action other than a recommendation that the risk be managed by periodic inspection to detect any change in condition. LSLO has a management regime in place for this.
Crown Prosecution Service
The Crown Prosecution Service will be reviewing and updating the asbestos information currently held for the Crown Prosecution Service Estate. The review will include planned assessments for all Crown Prosecution Service sites (111 sites). Where the Crown Prosecution Service is not the major occupier, the Crown Prosecution Service will remind the main occupier of their responsibilities to ensure compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. An estimated cost of compliance is being produced.
118WSerious Fraud Office
A survey undertaken by managing agents confirmed there is no asbestos within the Serious Fraud Office's premises.
There is no further action for the Serious Fraud Office to take in respect of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.
HM Crown Prosecution Service Directorate
As a result of the Asbestos (Amendment) Act 1998, a survey of 26–28 Old Queen Street, the London office of HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, was undertaken. The building was found to be clear of asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulation 2002 is due for implementation by May 2004. HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, in conjunction with its landlords, will be conducting another survey of its London Office in order to show its commitment to the new Regulation.
Treasury Solicitor's Department
The Treasury Solicitor's Department commissioned a revised and updated asbestos survey and register for its premises in Queen Anne's Chambers in September 2002 (last previous update 1998) in the light of the impending new Regulations at a cost of £3,664.25 It is not envisaged that any further costs will be incurred specifically to achieve compliance as we have been following good practice guidelines for many years.