§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the increased industrial injury rate during the past year in Portsmouth Dockyard and on the consequent action being taken by his Department.
§ Dr. David Owen:In H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth in 1969 there were 552 accidents to industrial staff of which 411 can be classified as cuts, bruises and strains. This is an increase of 94 over the 1968 figure. This is thought to be only an apparent increase because minor accidents of the sort not previously reported are now being counted.
289WIn 1969 the following steps were taken to counter the accident rate:
- (a) A Yard Safety Centre was opened.
- (b) A foot safety week was held which has quadrupled the sale of safety footwear.
- (c) A Yard Safety Committee has been set up.
- (d) An Asbestos Advisory Panel has been set up.
Safety education is now being stepped up and the statistics are being analysed into ages and trades to identify the areas where special effort is needed.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the three electrical fitter drillers in Portsmouth Dockyard who have been on pay without work since April, 1969.
§ Dr. David Owen:As I told the House on 27th February in reply to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Pink) this matter is being discussed with the trade unions who have previously objected to the re-employment of these men on other work which they were capable of undertaking. However, at a recent meeting between the Unions concerned and the local management it was agreed that fresh efforts should be made to find other suitable alternative work which would be acceptable to all concerned. It is still hoped that the problem will be finally resolved in productivity negotiations.— [Vol. 796, c. 423.]