HC Deb 20 February 1967 vol 741 cc1115-6
1. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Minister of Labour what research is being undertaken into the prevention of industrial accidents.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. E. Fernyhough)

A good deal of research into industrial safety is being carried out by Government and industrial research bodies. An account of the work being done appeared in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for December, 1966. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a register of research drawn up by the Ministry.

Mr. Watkins

I thank my hon. Friend for that helpful answer, but may I ask whether he is aware that much of the research being undertaken by voluntary bodies is unco-ordinated, and its effectiveness thereby diminished? Will he consider setting up co-ordinating machinery?

Mr. Fernyhough

I assure my hon. Friend that the Ministry works in very close association with all the voluntary bodies, and that we make substantial grants for this purpose.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that last year 39 people were killed when agricultural tractors overturned, and that no one was killed in those tractors which were fitted with cabs? What does the hon. Gentleman propose to do about this?

Mr. Fernyhough

I cannot say what I propose to do about it because this is the first that I have heard of it. I shall see that it is looked into, and if we can assist in any way the hon. and learned Gentleman can rest assured that we shall.

2. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider allocating funds to further research into the prevention of industrial accidents.

Mr. Fernyhough

The Ministry is in consultation with appropriate organisa- tions about possible research on the safety of cranes and excavation work.

We are keeping other needs for research under review. The responsibility for providing funds rests partly with industry and needs to be considered on its merits in each case.

Mr. Watkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that the helpful nature of his Answer will be widely welcomed because there is a grave shortage of funds for this work?

Mr. Fernyhough

As my hon. Friend will remember, I intimated in my reply to his previous Question that we make substantial grants wherever we think the work being carried out will prove effective in the matter about which he is so concerned.

Mr. Archer

While we are finding out new causes of industrial accidents, will my hon. Friend make a determined effort to eliminate the causes about which we know already, and set up a national council to review legislation on this subject?

Mr. Fernyhough

New legislation is constantly being introduced wherever we feel it is necessary. Whether my hon. Friend's suggestion would in any way make for better safety measures is something that we will consider.