§ 14. Mr. Cryerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him regarding safety on farms.
§ Mr. StrangFrom time to time my right hon. Friend has received representations from interested organisations on various aspects of farm safety.
§ Mr. CryerDoes my hon. Friend accept that in principle I agree that the Health and Safety Commission should take over the safety rôle of the agriculture safety inspectorate? Does he further accept that the Society of Civil Servants has expressed grave doubts about the recent proposal for the reorganisation of die Factory Inspectorate by the Health and Safety Commission? Will he assure the House that, before the transfer of the agricultural safety office is made, discussions will be entered into so that the reorganisation can be done in conjunction with the agriculture safety inspectorate and not above its head?
§ Mr. StrangI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. I can give him the assurance that he seeks. I am sure that agricultural workers will benefit from the deep interest that he continues to take in the work of the Health and Safety Commission.
§ Mr. CostainDoes the Minister appreciate that no one is keener than the farmer on having safety on farms? Does he also appreciate that the regulations regarding tractors produce certain difficulties, particularly in respect of the noise element, because British tractors, especially in horticulture, do not seem to comply with the regulations? Will he look at this matter with a view to ensuring that British manufacturers comply with the regulations?
§ Mr. StrangI assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government are seized of that point. We shall be making an announcement very shortly indeed.