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Asbestos: Health and Safety

Asked by Emma LewellLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 16 October 2025UIN 77524

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent progress his Department has made on establishing an asbestos census.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

Asbestos in non-domestic buildings is a key ministerial priority. As part of its work, I have asked HSE to explore how it can develop our understanding of the legacy of asbestos in Great Britian, by building a more objective and reliable evidence base of the extent of asbestos in the built environment through a census, to inform longer-term strategy for continuing its safe removal over time.

HSE is taking a phased approach to the development of this work, focussing initially on the government estate.

HSE provides regular updates and assurance to ministers about its approach to asbestos management.

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