§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment which member of the Health and Safety Executive investigated the circumstances of the fire on HMS "Glasgow"; when he produced his report; and when this was submitted to the Health and Safety Commission.
§ Mr. John GrantThe investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the fire on HMS "Glasgow" on 23rd Sept-634W ember 1976 was a combined operation involving inspectors from the North-East area, chemical inspectors from headquarters and scientific officers from the HSE's research and laboratory services division.
A first draft of the report of the investigation was forwarded to the Chief Inspector of Factories in March 1977 by the North-East Area Director, who was responsible for co-ordinating its preparation.
This was followed by discussion and evaluation within HSE of the facts and recommendations and the preparation of further drafts. During this process it became apparent that counsel's opinion on the legal implications would be needed before the report could be finalised. This was sought in June 1977 but was not received until November.
Since then a final draft report has been prepared in the light of counsel's opinion and of additional technical information and this is to be submitted to the Health and Safety Commission in March.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action the Health and Safety Executive proposes to take following the fire on HMS "Glasgow"; and if it is proposed to take action, what are the reasons for the delay.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the report on the fire on HMS "Glasgow", prepared by the Health and Safety Executive in accordance with a directive by the Health and Safety Commission under Section 14(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is going to be submitted to the Commission in March, prior to publication.
Information derived from the investigation is already being used by the Health and Safety Executive in inspection and in discussion with the industry. The Executive will make public any legal action it intends when the report is published.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment on what date fire broke out on HMS "Glasgow" whilst undergoing a refit in the Swan Hunter Shipyard; how many people lost their lives; and whether the Health and Safety Commission directed an investigation.
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§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that fire broke out on HMS "Glasgow" on 23rd September 1976 and that as a result eight men lost their lives.
Following a preliminary report received from Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive the Chairman directed the Health and Safety Executive on 4th October 1976 to investigate and make a special report on the accident in accordance with Section 14(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.