§ Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take immediate steps to remove Crown immunity from those establishments run by his Department subject to consumer protection and environmental health laws; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherNo; our policy on Crown immunity is to consider every case on its merits. If we have evidence of particular circumstances which give cause for concern I shall consider, with colleagues, how best to deal with these circumstances. This may, as in the case of hospital catering, lead to a reappraisal of Crown immunity.