§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will outline the current position regarding the reorganisation at the Factory Inspectorate by the Health and Safety Commission; and, in particular, what consultations has been under-taken regarding the closure of the offices at Shipley and Halifax.
§ Mr. John GrantThe Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that arrangements are well advanced for the Factory Inspectorate to operate under its reorganised system from 3rd January 1977. The Inspectorate will then work from 21 area offices and 15 local offices. In common with all areas the Factory Inspectorate staff in the West Riding have been consulted concerning closure of offices through their local consultative committee and any decisions 1133W arising from these consultations are subsequently referred to the National Joint Negotiating Committee on reorganisation. The Area Director has consulted with the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Council of the Trades Union Congress in writing and subsequently at a meeting. There have also been a considerable number of meetings of employers and of trade unionists at which reorganisation has been discussed. The Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers expressed particular concern and the Area Director met its local officials and committee members. The consultations which were undertaken with the regional council and the AUEW, among other things, have been specifically concerned with closure of other local offices, including those at Shipley and Halifax.