§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he has received the communication dated 28th January, 1972, from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, giving details of the health risks in cafés and restaurants and the inadequacy of present legislation to deal with the problem; and what action he proposes to take to deal with this problem;
(2) whether he is aware that the existing legislation regarding health hazards in cafés and restaurants is such that the legal process involved in closing such premises on grounds of danger to health can take one year, and at the end of that time the owner can continue in business by appointing someone else as a nominal proprietor; and whether he will introduce legislation to change this situation.
§ Mr. AlisonYes, and I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler) on 1st February. I am satisfied that the existing statutory powers, when vigorously exercised, are effective.
The time taken to deal with cases must depend on the speed with which enforcing authorities and the Courts can proceed. Disqualification under Section 14 of the Food and Drugs Act is not limited to the original owner.—[Vol. 830, c. 64–5.]