§ Dr. CableTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what actions the Cabinet Office, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether he has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if he will make a statement. [118851]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe Cabinet Office has undertaken Asbestos surveys for the London and Basingstoke Estate, the GCDA's buildings, HMSO Norwich, the Emergency Planning College and the Centre for Management and Policy Studies Residential Training Centre at Sunningdale.
The following action and costs were identified:
London Estate—some asbestos has been identified. The advice of our specialist contractors is that there is no risk and no need to take any actions unless areas are disturbed due to building works. Costs of required measures will be identified and incorporated into any project costs at the time of the works.
Basingstoke Estate—the control of Asbestos is the responsibility of the building's Landlord. Some low risk asbestos was found and removed. No costs are anticipated.
GCDA—the survey concluded that there was no asbestos on the site, or in any consumable/vehicle workshop products. The results of the survey are being reviewed but no costs are anticipated.
HMSO Norwich—the control of Asbestos is the responsibility of the Landlord of the premises. No risk has been identified and no costs are anticipated
Emergency Planning College—the survey identified some risk 1 asbestos, which has now all been removed. All other traces of asbestos which were recommended for removal or treatment will be dealt with by September 2003. In addition some asbestos has been identified in buildings due for demolition as part of the College's major accommodation upgrade and will be dealt with as part of the demolition process in September 2004. The cost of all these works will be some £48,000.
Centre for Management and Policy Studies Residential Training Centre at Sunningdale—some asbestos has been detected and is registered. The PPP partner within the site development works is handling its removal, under appropriate guidance and control. The risk is borne by them at no further cost to the College.