Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to (a) identify and (b) remove deteriorating asbestos in (i) schools and (ii) hospitals.

The safety of those using and working in buildings including schools and hospitals is extremely important.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) require all duty holders to assess whether asbestos is present, what condition it is in and whether it gives rise to a risk of exposure. They must then draw up a plan to manage the risk associated with asbestos, which must include removal if it cannot be safely managed where it is located. Asbestos must also be removed before any major refurbishment work and before demolition.

Responsibility for keeping schools and hospitals safe and well-maintained lies with the respective duty holders and they are expected to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos effectively, in line with their legal duties.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to work with other Government and Devolved Administrations to ensure that public sector duty holders are aware of and comply with their responsibilities for asbestos management, taking enforcement action where necessary.