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