§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the categories, and the numbers within them, of institutions, for which he is responsible, in respect of which exemptions are claimed from (a) food hygiene legislation and (b) health and safety legislation on the grounds of Crown immunity; and if he will make it his policy to plan to remove the immunity for the relevant institutions.
§ Sir George YoungCrown immunity from prosecution under food hygiene legislation and health and safety legislation applies to the following institutions/premises for which my right hon. Friend is responsible.
Category Number of Department/Environment (other than PSA) PSA Central departmental offices 8 13 Regional or local offices 98 225 Storage buildings 3 32 Training and recruitment establishments *1 — Research establishments and laboratories 6 — * (Serves PSA as well).
These figures include premises where Crown immunity for food hygiene legislation would apply but where food sales or preparation are not at present carried out.
The Property Services Agency has responsibilities not only as an occupant of buildings but as provider and 668W manager of accommodation for Government. It must ensure that the buildings it makes available to its clients for occupation meet statutory requirements. Once the buildings are in use responsibility is shared between the agency, the occupying departments and their staff. In the case of leased buildings the landlord may also have some responsibility.
Government policy on Crown immunity is to consider every case on its merits. If my right hon. Friend has evidence of inadequate standards in particular circumstances, where he has responsibility, he will consider, with colleagues, how best to deal with the situation.