§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will bring forward legislative proposals to bring the Palace of Westminster under the protection of the health and safety at work enactments; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythDuring recent discussions with the Health and Safety Executive the Palace authorities have agreed in principle to the extension of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 to the Palace of Westminster. This will be implemented as soon as a suitable legislative vehicle becomes available.
In the meantime, there is no suggestion that standards of health and safety at the Palace of Westminster are inferior to those of other employers. Under the current arrangements, the HSE inspects the Palace of Westminster at the invitation of the Palace authorities.