§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been spent by his Department and its agencies on(a) asbestos surveys and (b) the management and removal of asbestos since 1st 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. [130913]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggMy Department has spent an estimated £40,000 on asbestos surveys since January 2001.Costs for the management and removal of asbestos are not available. There is no set budget for future surveys, asbestos management or associated works. However, any remedial and control activities identified in the future as a requirement under the existing and new Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations will be undertaken. As I have said previously in replies to questions on asbestos from the hon. Gentleman, 247W measures in place already and planned, will result in my Department fully complying with the new regulations by May 2004.