HC Deb 04 February 1969 vol 777 cc205-7
Q3. Mr. Archer

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to coordinate the responsibilities of respective Ministers for the prevention of accidents, fire and disease in various forms of employment.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friends already work closely together on these matters.

Mr. Archer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, for the last five years for which we have figures, factory accidents rose by 60 per cent.? Does he not agree that a possible factor is that responsibility for industrial safety is divided among at least six Ministers, none of whom regards it as his or her prime responsibility?

The Prime Minister

I am aware of the figures quoted by my hon. Friend, and I share his concern. I do not believe that it is due to the various Departments concerned having other duties. It is right that their duties in respect of safety, welfare and health should be co-ordinated with their wider functions. However, my hon. Friend will be aware not only of the views expressed at the Trades Union Congress last year largely supporting his views, but that it will be our intention to take the opportunity in our proposed new safety, health and welfare legislation which is to be promoted in due course by my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State to deal with some of these demarcation problems.

Mr. Pavitt

Does my right hon. Friend recall that successive Labour Party conferences have called for the establishment of an occupational health service? Will he call together the six Ministers with a view to implementing this proposal?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend will be aware of what has been said in this House by me and by other Ministers, and of the problem arising from the overall shortage of doctors. But this does not arise from the main Question where I feel that, with the resources available, co-ordination between Ministers is adequate.

Mr. Doughty

Is the Prime Minister aware that the enforcement of any regulations that exist and any further regulations that are to come depends almost entirely upon the factory inspectors, and that, in the very difficult circumstances in which they have to work, they are doing an excellent job?

The Prime Minister

Yes. I am sometimes asked about the increase in the numbers of civil servants. The hon. Gentleman should be glad to know that one reason for the increase over recent years has been the rise in the number of factory inspectors for which hon. Members in all parts of the House have called.