HC Deb 03 November 2003 vol 412 cc389-90W
Mr. Love

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what measures are being taken to improve the safety and security of staff working in county courts. [134914]

Mr. Leslie

The DCA and Court Service take the health, safety and security of its employees very seriously. The Department has minimum security standards for county courts. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that appropriate security arrangements exist to protect staff, judiciary and court users. The Department undertakes a rolling programme of inspections to ensure that standards are being met. Security reviews also take place following any major incident. The standards are kept under review to ensure that they properly take account of any new or emerging risks and threats. The Department also has a rolling programme of fire safety and general health and safety inspections to ensure that its buildings are safe and all relevant legislation is being complied with.