HC Deb 08 July 1957 vol 573 cc24-5
35. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with what bodies he is holding consultations about safety in agriculture; and what draft Regulations he hopes next to bring forward.

Mr. Godber

Before making any Regulations under the Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare Provisions) Act, 1956, my right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland must consult such organisations as appear to them to represent the interests concerned. These include on all occasions the organisations representing employers, workers and landowners; other bodies are consulted according to the subject. The list of organisations so far consulted is rather long, and I will, with permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The draft of the Agriculture (Power Take-Off) Regulations, 1957, designed to secure the guarding of power take-offs and power take-off shafts, was laid before the House on 4th July; we hope that Regulations to deal with the safe use of ladders will soon be laid; and organisations are now being consulted on proposals for avoiding accidents to children.

Mr. Hill

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. In future consultations, will he ask the interests concerned to combine with the Ministry in looking into the possibility of making a film illustrative of farm dangers, and methods of avoiding them?

Mr. Godber

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for that suggestion. I will gladly look into it.

Mr. Willey

Of course we welcome these Regulations, and urge the Minister to press on with further Regulations, but will he look into the point being raised as to the possible steps to take to advertise the way of avoiding these dangers?

Mr. Godber

I agree with the hon. Member that the greater amount of publicity that we can give to this matter the better.

Following is the information: