David Laws (Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Children, Schools and Families; Yeovil, Liberal Democrat)

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families

(1) how many and what proportion of schools have had asbestos in their buildings in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what recent steps his Department has taken to remove asbestos from schools; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight (Minister of State (Schools and Learners), Department for Children, Schools and Families; South Dorset, Labour)

The majority of the many domestic and non-domestic buildings in England are likely to contain asbestos. In this schools are no different. Our best estimate is that some asbestos-containing materials can be found in around 70 per cent. of school buildings.

Health and Safety Executive guidance is clear that if asbestos is unlikely to be disturbed or damaged, it is usually safer to leave it in place and manage it. Routine condition surveys are rigorous enough to identify damaged material that could contain asbestos, and this would then trigger further action such as intrusive surveys and the repair or removal of any asbestos-containing materials.

Detailed information about the incidence of asbestos in schools is not collected centrally. Local authorities are responsible for school buildings under their management. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 place a duty on those with legal responsibilities for maintenance of buildings to manage the risk from asbestos. This includes assessing whether there is asbestos in buildings and, depending on its condition, removing it or managing it.

The HSE provides advice and guidance on the management of asbestos in schools.