Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 July 2003. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many social houses (a) in England and (b) in Shrewsbury and Atcham are inhabited which have been built using asbestos materials. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many social houses (a) in England and (b) in Shrewsbury and Atcham are inhabited which have been built using asbestos materials. [115032] Phil Hope: The Statistical Evidence to support the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (published in May 2003 by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) estimates that approximately 394,000 flats in England (2 to 3 per cent. of the housing stock) are likely to have significant use of asbestos in construction. Three quarters of these dwellings were built between 1945 and 1980. The buildings most likely to be affected include high rise council estates built in the 1950s. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is unable to provide information on Shrewsbury and Atcham because they do not collect information on specific areas.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 115032; 408 c363W;408 c364-5W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Construction Asbestos Safety Social rented housing Shropshire Shrewsbury Atcham
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk