Rowen Welcomes BBC Report on Asbestos in Schools

12.00.00am GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Paul Rowen MP, Liberal Democrat Health and Safety spokesperson, has welcomed a recent report by the BBC into the risks of asbestos in schools. The BBC report highlights the dangers asbestos poses to pupils and staff if it is not managed correctly. A survey carried out showed that around one in five local authorities in England currently have unsatisfactory management of asbestos in their schools.

Around 75% of schools in Britain contain the potentially deadly substance, and there have been cases of both teachers and pupils dying from the fatal disease mesothelioma, contracted from asbestos exposure.

In a recent meeting with Paul Rowen, Diana Johnson MP, Minister for Schools agreed to set up a working party on the issue.

Paul Rowen said: "I welcome this report by the BBC, which confirms what I and other asbestos campaigners have been saying. Asbestos in schools is a major risk to both pupils and staff, and we have already seen too many deaths as a result of poor asbestos management.

This issue is massively important. We need to work to ensure all schools are safe for the teachers, pupils and staff who work in them. I have called for another meeting with Diana Johnson in the new year to ensure that progress is being made and work will be undertaken to tackle these problems."