HC Deb 29 July 1971 vol 822 cc764-5
10. Mr. Scott

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he can now estimate when the Robens Committee will report.

Mr. Dudley Smith

The Committee continues to make good progress but it is still too early to say when it will report.

Mr. Scott

Can my hon. Friend say whether the Committee's findings will be so comprehensive that they will cover employees not at present covered by the Factories Act? Secondly, can he say whether the Committee is consulting with our future partners in the E.E.C. so that this new legislation, when it appears, can be a code of practice for all Europe?

Mr. Smith

I can assure my hon. Friend that the Committee is considering the problem of employees not covered by the Factories Act. It is conducting a wide-ranging inquiry and has recently visited the United States, West Germany and Canada. I will draw the attention of the Committee to my hon. Friend's remarks to make sure that it covers all the points he has put.

Mr. Marks

Does that mean that the Committee's consideration will include teachers and other employees in schools?

Mr. Smith

Yes, it covers a wide range, pretty well everyone whose safety and health comes into account when they are at work. It is well beyond the shop floor.