§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the NHS estate is compliant with health and safety requirements. [46117]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 25 March 2002]: In 1999, we set targets for the reduction in health and safety backlog within national health service trusts in England one of which required health and safety backlog costs to be reduced by 90 per cent. by 31 March 2002. In addition, we planned to invest £7 billion in the NHS estate to bring the quality and safety of NHS buildings up to acceptable levels.
We have an ongoing monitoring and performance programme to support the NHS in delivering these targets. The speed at which NHS trusts are meeting these targets depends on a number of factors, including the pace of investment and disposals, and figures are constantly changing.