§ 2. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to be able to announce the location of the headquarters of the Health and Safety Commission.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Harold Walker)As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Duffy) on 18th March 1975—[Vol. 888, c. 1446–7.]—I am not yet able to say when the advice of the commission will be available.
§ Mr. HooleyI am obliged to my hon. Friend for that reply, but is he aware that Sheffield is getting anxious about a decision on this matter, which is regarded as important for the development of new employment opportunities in South Yorkshire generally?
§ Mr. WalkerI admire the persistence with which my hon. Friends from Sheffield pursue this matter. I assure my hon. Friend that we are about to make an announcement on it, and that the claims of Sheffield will certainly not be overlooked.
§ Mr. Gordon WilsonIs the Minister aware of the severe problems of health and safety involved in the offshore oil industry? In those circumstances, will he consider setting up a special branch of the commission or a division of the commission based in Scotland to deal with those problems?
§ Mr. WalkerI am aware of the problems associated with safety in the North Sea. However, the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question would primarily be for the commission to consider and make recommendations about.