HC Deb 02 May 1972 vol 836 cc185-6
15. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is in a position to make a statement on the results of the pilot study on damage control undertaken by the British Steel Corporation as a contribution to accident prevention, to which he made reference in his answer to the hon. Member for Consett on 1st July, 1971.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

This study has shown that very careful preparation is needed before systematic arrangements for damage control can be operated successfully. Given this preparation, and determination on all sides to make it work, damage control can make a significant contribution to accident prevention.

Mr. Watkins

While I am grateful for that encouraging reply, can the hon. Gentleman assure us that, in the light of it, his Department will do everything possible to encourage a thorough investigation of the widespread application of this technique in industry, which is the most advanced yet devised for industrial accident prevention?

Mr. Chichester-Clark

This was a useful study. But very careful preparation is needed before a system of damage con- trod is introduced, otherwise the system may well be discredited. Its introduction will always need to be the subject of full consultation in a company. The Department believe that the system is a promising development. But if it were introduced hurriedly, it might not yield the results for which the hon. Gentleman hopes.