§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the action being taken to improve physical working conditions at the central sterile supply department at Queen Alexander Hospital, Portsmouth, with special reference to the recent problems caused by warm weather.
§ Mr. AlisonAir conditioning was installed in this department some time ago and has improved working conditions but problems have been experienced by staff in recent very hot weather. I am advised that it would be difficult to improve the physical conditions without major rebuilding and this will have to be considered against other priorities. Meanwhile, local management will negotiate with staff special working arrangements to mitigate the effects of high temperatures.