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Contaminated Brownfield Sites

: I think that I can answer the hon. Gentleman's question. The issue is being worked on as part of the new draft of SGVs also deals with BAP. The publication of the draft, which looks at all SGVs, has been held up because of the widespread nature of BAP, which we have to take into account. However, it is intended to publish the revision when the issues have been properly addressed in further guidance that the SGV taskforce is expected to recommend on that point. The Environment Agency recognises that an SGV for asbestos is a high priority and that we need to produce it as quickly as possible. The unreleased document that the hon. Gentleman mentioned in relation to the Environment Agency is not an SGV, but, pending the revised SGVs it has been made available to local authorities that have had asbestos cases to deal with. The document is an attempt by the Environment Agency to help local authorities deal with their present pressures. However, a new SGV is being developed for asbestos and BAP. Although I do not have an exact date for its publication, I understand that the intention is to get that done as quickly as possible. That work is part of our efforts to ensure that we have clear SGVs and give local authorities the best information possible. The SGV taskforce was originally set up to advise on how guidance could be framed to assist assessors to make their judgment on a scientific and authoritative basis. Ideas are being developed by taskforce members—the HPA in particular has a big input—and they will be considered by the taskforce collectively in the near future. We hope that the taskforce will make some specific recommendations for the Government to consider. I will ensure that, if appropriate, we put work in hand to develop and produce further guidance without delay. Following this debate, I will ask for an update on progress on the various work streams and on time scales to ensure that there are no undue delays. These are important issues and those who have spoken in this debate have made a persuasive case about why we need that revised information as quickly as possible.