HC Deb 19 November 2003 vol 413 c1076W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent by his Department and its agencies on(a) asbestos surveys and (b) the management and removal of asbestos since 1 January 2001; and what budget is available to (i) commission asbestos surveys and (ii) manage and remove asbestos from buildings in (A) 2003 and (B) 2004. [130915]

Yvette Cooper

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister came into existence in May 2002. The spend to date within those properties now under control of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is as follows:

  • a. Asbestos surveys: £53,916.88
  • b. Management and Removal of Asbestos: £149,496.72

The budget available:

  • (i) For commissioning asbestos surveys in 2003 is included in the figure at (a) above. Budgets for asbestos surveys in 2004 are being developed.
  • (ii) For management and removal of asbestos in 2003 is £130,000 and in 2004 is £800,000.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 15 July 2003,Official Report, column 287W, on asbestos, if he will list the buildings identified as containing asbestos. [130940]

Yvette Cooper

Asbestos surveys undertaken in accordance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 have revealed that the following Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's buildings contain asbestos-based materials:

  • Fire Service College—Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire;
  • Government Office for London—Riverwalk House, Westminster:
  • HQ Building—Ashdown House—Victoria Street, Westminster; and
  • Government Office for the North East—Wellbar House, Newcastle.