To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act applies to Crown premises; and if it is enforceable against such premises.

The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is enforceable against persons not premises. The Act does apply to the Crown, but it cannot be enforced against the Crown in the courts or by the use of enforcement notices. In practice, the Health and Safety Executive has agreed with the Crown to seek compliance with health and safety standards through a system of Crown notices. These notices either require the Crown to make improvements within a specified time limit (Crown improvement notice) or to stop work immediately (Crown prohibition notice).