HC Deb 27 May 2004 vol 421 c1809W
Colin Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what standards his Department has in place to cover regimes of temporary accommodation sites housing seasonal fruit pickers. [175444]

Jane Kennedy

[holding answer 24 May 2004]: The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 set specific requirements about the safety of gas systems in accommodation that is provided for an occupant who is not the owner of that accommodation.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places general requirements on all work activity to be performed in a way that does not jeopardise the health and safety of the workers involved, or people affected by work activity. Those general requirements could apply to work that is done to maintain or repair temporary accommodation and hence offer some further protection to those using this type of accommodation.