HC Deb 07 June 1972 vol 838 cc114-5W
Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many notifications of closure of manufacturing units were received in each economic planning region in each of the last four years and to the latest date in the present year

Mr. Chichester-Clark

The numbers of notification; of closures of establishments in manufacturing industry recorded for each economic planning region in each of the last four years and up to and including 31st May, 1972, are as follows:

(2) whether he will introduce legislation to strengthen safety standards on all fairgrounds and amusement funfairs, whether on permanent sites or of a travel ling variety;

(3) whether he will introduce legislation requiring that all fairground machinery frequently used by the general public shall display a plate exhibiting its year of manufacture and date of last mechanical inspection by a competent independent engineer.

Mr. Lane

The hon. Member no doubt had in mind a recent disaster in London, through which I regret that four children lost their lives. This is currently the subject of police inquiries, and it would not be proper for my right hon. Friend to comment; but if it should prove that there is need to consider amending the existing law, whereby local authorities already have power to provide for the safety of the public at fairgrounds, my right hon. Friend will bear in mind the particular proposals referred to by the hon. Member.