§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the categories, and the numbers within them, of institutions, for which he is responsible, for 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.
§ Mr. John MacKayCrown immunity from prosecution under food hygiene legislation and health and safety legislation applies to the following institutions—premises for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible:
Number Central departmental offices 142 Hospitals and other health premises 500 Courts 52 Penal establishments 20 Training establishments 2 Research institutions and laboratories 8 Historic Buildings and Monuments 332 Colleges of education and central institutions 20 Museum, gallery, library, botanic garden and civil defence premises 7 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.
Our policy on Crown immunity is to consider every case on its merits. If we have evidence of inadequate standards in particular circumstances, my right hon. and learned Friend will consider, with colleagues, how best to deal with these circumstances. In the case of hospital catering, my right hon. and learned Friend has recently announced the proposed removal of Crown immunity.