§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment in what main activities those people who were not covered by health and safety at work legislation before the 1974 Act are employed; and what is being done to draw up regulations and codes of practice to protect them.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the majority of the people who benefit from health and safety legislation for the first time are employed in professional, business and miscellaneous services, Moreover, as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act applies to practically all working activities other than domestic service in private houses many people engaged in peripatetic occupations are covered for the first time. Before the commission can make recommendations on future regulations or approve codes of practice the conditions under which these activities are conducted will have to be assessed. The Health and Safety Executive has already embarked on this exploratory phase.
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§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the maximum consultation is taking place between the Health and Safety Commission, employers, trade unions and trade associations for the drawing up of health and safety at work regulations.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has assured me that he is aware of the importance of consultation with as wide a range of bodies as is practicable and necessary when drawing up proposals for health and safety regulations. In addition the Secretary of State has the power to direct that particular bodies shall be consulted if he thinks they have an interest that should be taken into account.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what recommendations he has received to date from the Health and Safety Commission for new regulations concerning health and safety at work.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have received the following recommendations for regulations from the Health and Safety Commission:
- (i) The Protection of Eyes (Amendment) Regulations 1975.
- (ii) The Coal Mines (Respirable Dust) Regulations 1975.
- (iii) The Mines and Quarries Acts 1954 to 1971 (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1975.
- (iv) The Polmaise 3/4 Mine (Nos. 3 and 5 Shafts) Regulations 1975.
- (v) The Factories Act 1961 (Repeals) Regulations 1975.
- (vi) The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 (Repeals) Regulations 1975.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are estimated to have come within the cover of health and safety at work legislation since the 1974 Act who were not previously covered.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that it is estimated that nearly 8 million additional people have been brought within the scope of safety, health and welfare legislation because of the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made to date in the 423W integration of the various health and safety at work inspectorates since the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that under Section 10 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 the Health and Safety Executive was established on 1st January 1975, consisting of a secretariat and a number of operational divisions including the former Inspectorates of Alkali and Clean Air; Explosives; Factories; Mines and Quarries; and Nuclear Installations.
An Agency Agreement has been made with the Scottish Industrial Pollution Inspectorate and others are being negotiated with the Railways Inspectorate and the Pipelines Inspectorate to perform the relevant statutory functions on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission.