The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chairman of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf.

It is difficult to estimate the precise amount of asbestos that is present in the Palace of Westminster because asbestos materials of various types have been widely used, over the years, often concealed in ducts and voids, and buried in the fabric of the building. Before the dangers of asbestos were known it was used extensively in building works due to its strength and resistance to heat and fire. Extensive surveying has been undertaken to inform Parliament’s management of asbestos and robust controls are in place which cover checking for the presence of asbestos and the safe execution of works. Asbestos-containing materials have been identified by completion of an Estate wide asbestos management survey and subsequent analyses where applicable.

Parliament’s Asbestos Management Plan complies with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and follows Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. Risks associated with asbestos-containing materials are managed in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The plan is reviewed annually and has been independently audited.

All estates staff undergo Asbestos Awareness training and those responsible for instructing and arranging works on the Estate’s fabric have Asbestos Management training which provides information and advice about the dangers of asbestos, including asbestos-related diseases. Contractors and their staff are also required to undertake this training, or to provide evidence that they have done equivalent training.