asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will conduct a national survey of asbestos in public buildings. [HL6068]
The Government have no plans for a national survey of asbestos in public buildings. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (Regulation 4), a duty to manage is already placed on those in control of the maintenance of public buildings, such as local authorities, to identify the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being present, and to identify, assess and manage the risks accordingly. The Government believe that no significant benefit would be gained by duplicating the existing requirement introduced in 2004 and on which the Health and Safety Executive has issued guidance.