§ 13. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties which may be imposed by magistrates' courts for breach of the Health and Safety at Work &c. Act.
§ Mr. John GrantNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department is considering a general overall increase in magistrates' court penalties as proposed by the James Committee. I consider that the proper course is to await the outcome of this consideration rather than to initiate a separate Bill for health and safety legislation.
§ Mr. JannerDoes the Minister agree that the present penalties imposed by magistrates' courts on those convicted of offences under the Health and Safety at Work &c. Act are pathetic? Does he also agree that it is as criminal to kill a man in a factory or on a building site as it is on a road? Will he join with the Lord Chancellor in advising courts to use their present powers to make it plain that that kind of behaviour will not be tolerated?
§ Mr. GrantYes. I am broadly in agreement with my hon. and learned Friend and, indeed, with the remarks of the Lord Chancellor last week—remarks that he addressed to magistrates and of which I am sure they will take considerable notice.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWill the Minister say whether magistrates' courts are imposing penalties to the limits, or is it not perhaps foolish to talk of increasing the penalties that they can impose if they are not now imposing the maxima?
§ Mr. GrantIn a good many cases involving health and safety matters magistrates are imposing lenient fines, bearing in mind the gravity of the offence. As for the question of raising the level of fines, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is considering the matter, although not in isolation.