HC Deb 21 July 1970 vol 804 c220
14. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what assistance he is giving to publicity for the pretion of accidents in the construction industry.

Mr. Kershaw

Industrial safety, health and welfare is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, but my right hon. Friend gives assistance by promoting accident prevention in advisory leaflets, in lectures and in displays at various exhibitions.

Mr. Allason

Has my hon. Friend seen the safety signs similar to road signs which have been introduced by the National Federation of Building Trades Employers?

Mr. Kershaw

I cannot say that I have done so. However, we are in close touch with the National Federation of Building Trades Employers and I will take steps to do so.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the tremendous amount of work done by hon. Members on both sides on the Employed Persons (Health and Safety) Bill in the last Parliament? Will he bring strong pressure to bear on his colleagues to have the Bill brought before the House again so that steps may be taken to try to prevent some of the severe and disastrous accidents from occurring in industry?

Mr. Kershaw

I will bring the attention of my right hon. Friend to what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. John Silkin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the best ways of preventing accidents in the construction industry would be to bring in a Bill immediately to abolish labour-only subcontracting?

Mr. Kershaw

My right hon. Friend has already made a statement about that.