§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ring-fence the funds required to bring national health service premises up to the legal minimum under proposals for fire legislation.
§ Mr. SackvilleNo. Management of national health service premises is devolved to health authorities and trusts. It is for individual authorities and trusts, in the light of their local circumstances, to make the best use of all the resources at their disposal to provide health care services which are cost effective and meet relevant safety requirements.
§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the total cost of bringing all national health service premises up to the legal minimum required with respect to fire legislation in the absence of Crown immunity from prosecution.
§ Mr. SackvilleNo specific estimate has been made of the cost of bringing national health service premises up to legal minimum standards. The removal of Crown immunity has not changed the standards of fire safety which health authorities and trusts must observe. They are required to agree with local fire authority a programme for any necessary improvements.
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