§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the buildings occupied by his staff, including agencies, which require(a) remedial work on and (b) the removal of asbestos; what that work will cost; what budgets are available for this work for (i) 2004 and (ii) 2005; and what budget is available for future asbestos surveys. [159363]
§ Yvette CooperAsbestos surveys undertaken in accordance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 have revealed that the following buildings occupied staff of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, including agencies, contain asbestos-based materials
Ashdown House, Victoria Street, Westminster.Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.Government Office for London, Riverwalk House, Westminster.Government Office for the North East—Wellbar House, Newcastle.The Budget allocated for asbestos removal and remedial action is:
2004–05–£800,0002005–06–£0The budget figure of £800,000 in 2004–05 is for asbestos removal from Riverwalk House. Although the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has overall responsibility for this building, the Government Offices carry out functions on behalf of 10 Departments.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not allocated specific funds for future asbestos surveys; these will be funded from existing maintenance budgets.