Viscount Astorasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received reports of food poisoning from the sale of food from unlicensed vendors in the Royal Parks; and whether they consider this to be a serious health risk; [HL3284]
When they will take steps to prevent the sale of food by unlicensed vehicles in the Royal Parks; and [HL3283]
Whether they consider that the Royal Parks Agency and tourist boards should offer advice to visitors in the Royal Parks of the dangers of purchasing foods from unlicensed vendors. [HL3285]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe problem of the sale of food by unlicensed traders in the Royal Parks has worsened since the surrounding local authorities obtained the power to seize the outlets and vehicles used by these traders. The Royal Parks Constabulary, who police the Royal Parks, do not have similar powers. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is deeply concerned about the problem of illegal trading and is seeking the earliest opportunity to introduce the legislation needed to give the Royal Parks Constabulary the necessary powers, and the Government continue to support the Royal Parks (Trading) Bill which is currently before Parliament. In the meantime the Royal Parks Constabulary do all that they can to control these traders using the powers available to them.
We have not received reports of food poisoning from the sale of food from unlicensed vendors. I can confirm that the Royal Parks Agency has placed signs in St. James's Park warning visitors that unlicensed traders are operating there, that the conditions under which food is prepared do not conform to statutory food hygiene standards and that, as a consequence, there may be a risk that eating this food may lead to serious illness.