§ Q3. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Prime Minister if he has considered the United States Government's policy known as "Mission Safety 70", details of which have been sent to him; and if he will institute a similar drive for accident prevention in all Government Departments and establishments.
§ The Prime MinisterI have read with interest the documents which my hon. Friend has sent me. I do not think, however, that it would be appropriate to institute a similar campaign in this country because Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate is already responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of our comprehensive safety legislation in Government Departments and establishments as well as in private industry and also for giving advice on accident prevention.
§ Mr. WatkinsBut is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of industrial casualties per year in this country is nearly seven times as great as the number of military casualties per year during the Second World War? Does he not think that the Government should give a lead, which is obviously needed, to industry and commerce in this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterAll of us are concerned about the very serious rate of industrial accidents, despite the great work of the Factory Inspectorate and of both sides of industry to reduce it. But this Mission is not the way to do it. In America the responsibility is that of the State and not of the Federal Government. Hence this project. The Americans do not have, as we do, a thorough-going national system of safety inspection.