HL Deb 13 February 2003 vol 644 cc140-1WA
Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they plan to ensure that accommodation currently used for public health work is protected when the management of public health laboratories transfers to their local National Health Service trusts. [HL1384]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)

The laboratories transferring to National Health Service trusts are being transferred together with their current accommodation. We expect that the accommodation which is currently utilised for public health will continue to be used for that purpose.

It will be the role of local health protection agency public health microbiologists and the HPA regional public health microbiologist to ensure that the public health outputs of transferred, and other, laboratories are maintained.

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they intend to ensure the continuance of the contribution of the Public Health Laboratory Service to health and safety after 1 April. [HL1385]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Public Health Laboratory Service board will continue to be responsible for the health and safety of its remaining employees after 1 April 2003.

Any wider contribution to health and safety by current employees of the PHLS providing expert advice will continue to be provided as appropriate.

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they plan to maintain services for food, water and environmental microbiology services when the network of public health laboratories are transferred to the management of their local trusts. [HL1425]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Microbiology services for food, water and environment testing will continue to be provided to local authorities from all of the existing laboratories, including those Public Health Laboratory Service laboratories that are due to transer to National Health Service trusts. We are planning for the health protection agency, when it is created, to provide for these services and to determine minimum standards that will be followed.