§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the health and hygiene regulations governing hospital catering, with a view to permitting regular inspection by public health inspectors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the working party on food hygiene set up by the General Council of the Association of Public Health Inspectors, he will now allow hospital kitchens to be open to inspection by public health inspectors and ensure that Crown exemption shall be discontinued; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has read the report of the Association of Public Health Inspectors regarding hospital catering facilities; if he will now reconsider his policy on this subject; if he will take steps to permit public health inspectors to visit hospital kitchens and dining rooms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephMy Department has already urged hospital authorities to enlist the assistance of the public health department of the local authority in ensuring satisfactory standards of food hygiene. We have been reviewing the advice and will be sending a reminder.
I have no information to suggest that these arrangements are not working satisfactorily; and before considering whether there is need to revoke Crown immunity, a letter has been sent to the Association of Public Health Inspectors for any specific information on instances of lack of co-operation.