HC Deb 16 March 1964 vol 691 cc963-4
4. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour how many prosecutions were brought during 1963 for failure to report industrial accidents.

Mr. Whitelaw

There were 121.

Mr. Boyden

Is not this an extraordinarily low figure? Does not the Parliamentary Secretary recognise that there are about 80,000 unreported accidents, many of which probably could have been the subject of prosecution? Is the reason for the very small number of prosecutions the overload on the Factory Inspectorate and the very few factory inspectors?

Mr. Whitelaw

No. I do not think that it is. There are a large number of matters which have to be considered before one decides whether a prosecution is appropriate.

5. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made with the survey into the reporting of industrial accidents.

Mr. Whitelaw

As the House is aware, a survey in October 1962 revealed widespread failure on the part of occupiers to report industrial accidents. Both sides of industry are cooperating in giving publicity to the reporting requirements of the Factories Act, and a leaflet reminding occupiers of their obligations will shortly be distributed to all factory occupiers.

A further survey on a larger scale will be conducted in April and May with the co-operation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance. Claims for injuries benefit will be checked against reports of accidents received by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate and will show to what extent reporting standards have improved. This larger sample will give better information about the reporting standards of individual industries.

Mr. Boyden

I welcome those moves, but would it not be desirable to trace back some of the results of the reporting of industrial injuries to the source—that is to the accident—and then make more strenuous attempts to prosecute? Does the Minister think that 121 prosecutions out of whatever figure he likes to give—it is many thousands—is sufficient deterrent by way of penalty?

Mr. Whitelaw

I do not think would like to express a point of view one way or the other on that. Cases of failure to report will certainly be followed up and, in appropriate cases, prosecution will certainly be undertaken.