Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of school buildings in England that contain asbestos.

Use of asbestos in the construction of buildings in Britain, including schools, peaked between 1945 and 1975 before declining until its use was banned in 1999.

In March 2016, the Department carried out a data collection exercise, aimed at all schools to help us understand how asbestos is being managed across the country. 25.2% of schools responded, of which 83% indicated that asbestos was present on their school estate.

We intend to enhance our understanding of how effectively asbestos is being managed in schools, by asking all responsible bodies to provide a report on their schools’ compliance with associated legislation and guidance. Through this assurance process, responsible bodies can confirm whether asbestos is present in their schools and that they have the necessary processes and procedures in place, in relation to the management of asbestos, to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors to their schools.