§ 25. Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the safety of the oldest buildings of national importance in the cities of London and Westminster. [7620]
§ Mr. SproatResponsibility for the safety of old buildings of national importance lies principally with their owners. Where the buildings are in public use, or where the public has access, the local authority has responsibility for ensuring that the buildings meet current health and safety standards. Government Departments are individually responsible for the safety of those historic buildings which they occupy.