HC Deb 01 July 1971 vol 820 cc564-5
13. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to encourage damage control inspection of workplaces to reduce industrial accidents.

Mr. Dudley Smith

A pilot study of damage control has recently been undertaken by the British Steel Corporation and my Department will examine the results in detail when these become available.

Mr. Watkins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that experts in this technique can survey a workplace and recommend measures designed to eliminate potential accidents, thereby saving lives, limbs and money? Should not the Department give every encouragement to the extension of such examination to the whole of industry?

Mr. Smith

Yes, I hope that we shall do so. We believe that the system is a promising development, but if it is introduced too hurriedly it may not yield such helpful results. We must analyse what takes place in the pilot experiments and, if they are a success, we shall do everything we can to encourage the system.