HC Deb 09 September 2004 vol 424 cc846-7
3. Mr. Jim Cunningham (Coventry, South) (Lab)

How often the (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Coventry, South are monitored for health and safety standards. [187696]

The Minister for Children (Margaret Hodge)

Like all local education authorities, Coventry LEA has health and safety responsibility for its secondary and primary schools. It formally audits its schools' compliance with the law and routinely provides advice. It considers and acts on returns made to the health and safety team. In 2000, Ofsted reported that the LEA had a clearly defined health and safety policy monitored by members and officers.

Mr. Cunningham

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, but can she say how Coventry compares with the rest of the country on health and safety matters?

Margaret Hodge

I do not have that comparison here, but I am sure that Coventry LEA, like all other LEAs, does extremely well in ensuring the health and safety of its staff and pupils in all its schools.