§ 69. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Labour to what extent housing sites are visited by his Department's Factory Inspectorate; and how far there is liaison between his Department and the local authority building inspectors.
§ Mr. GunterAs with all construction work the frequency of visits to housing 7W sites by H.M. Factory Inspectors depends on such factors as the size of the site, the hazards involved and the standards of compliance with the Construction Regulations made under the Factories Act, 1961. Contact with local authority building inspectors is made when their specialised advice is required.
§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Labour what steps his Department takes to enforce safety regulations on housing sites; and if he will make a statement on the recent results of such enforcement on practices in the building industry.
§ Mr. GunterDuring the course of their visits to sites H.M. Factory Inspectors give advice and guidance on statutory requirements, but where persuasion fails or there is a flagrant breach of the law legal proceedings are considered. Recent results include improved precautions when work is being carried on near live overhead electric lines or at a height. Nevertheless much remains to be done within the industry if the rising trend of reportable accidents is to be halted.