HL Deb 03 March 1966 vol 273 cc777-8

3.15 p.m.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consider that drinking water made available closely adjacent to W.C.s or urinals comes within the phrase "at suitable places" within the meaning of Section 11(1) of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963; whether they have received any representations that such arrangements are undesirable; and whether they propose to take any action to remedy the position.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CHAMPION)

My Lords, the right position for the supply of drinking water will depend upon the circumstances of the case. Adjacency to W.C.s or urinals is not necessarily objectionable, provided that there is no risk of contamination. Representations have been received from two local authorities. The Government do not at present see any need for action.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply, but does he remember that when the 1963 Act was going through the House it was agreed on all sides that there was a problem, and, in spite of the Amendment of the noble Lord, Lord Lindgren, we did not then find a solution? What I am asking is whether, now that the Act has been in force some time, Her Majesty's Government have no detailed views on this matter, because the enforcement officers are having some difficulty.

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, we feel that it is too early yet for us to take any decisions which would result in laying down any particular distances, or anything of that sort. We feel that it must be left to the good sense of the inspectors who are responsible for these premises. This was very largely the reply given on the Amendment of my noble friend Lord Lindgren by the noble Lords, Lord Carrington and Lord Newton, and up to now I tend to agree with them.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, would the noble Lord bear in mind that the enforcement officers find that common sense is not quite enough in this particular case?

LORD CHAMPION

Yes, my Lords.