§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he takes to ensure that health and safety standards in hospital kitchens and wards are maintained; and if he will introduce legislation to enable prosecution of hospitals failing to observe such standards.
§ Mr. John PattenHealth authorities, in common with outside employers, are subject to control and inspection by the inspectorate appointed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Department is also concerned that health and safety standards in NHS hospital kitchens and wards are kept up. We have no reason to believe that health authorities are not carrying out their duties under the Act and we cannot agree on the need for further legislation in these matters.
As for food hygiene requirements, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 29 November to the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham) at column 576.