HC Deb 22 April 2002 vol 384 c35W
Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to prevent attacks on public sector workers. [47075]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth

Violence, threats and abuse to workers from any sector are unacceptable.

The Health and Safety Commission has agreed a three-year programme of work (2000–03) to help employers tackle the increasing problem of work-related violence. We will be working with the Health and Safety Executive, who are responsible for implementing Commission policies, on elements of their programme to help to reduce the incidents of work-related violence.

In addition, the Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch have also been successful in securing funding under the Invest to Save Budget for Safer Hospitals and Safer Schools projects. Both projects will involve bringing together both existing and emerging technologies to deliver reductions in violent crime against staff, patients and pupils and a reduction in associated property crime.