Teaching unions have met Gordon Brown to press the case for all asbestos being removed from schools and colleges. Representatives met with the Prime Minister to call for an audit of the extent, type and condition of asbestos in schools. The unions want the Government to carry out a risk assessment and to ensure that asbestos is removed as part of plans to refurbish schools. Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: “The health of our young people and those working in education is far too precious to allow this issue to be swept under the carpet any longer.”