§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made in implementing the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act in the ports and, in particular, the Port of London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantResponsibility for implementing the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 in ports rests with those upon whom the Act imposes general duties, including employers, controllers of premises, employees, the self-employed, designers, manufacturers and suppliers of articles and substances for use at work in ports. I am advised that the great majority of those with duties under the Act, including those in the Port of London, are making appropriate provision to meet their obligations.
Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate is responsible for enforcing the Act and, in particular, the Docks Regulations 1934. A national industry group for docks has been set up within the Inspectorate, and the group, which is based in London, is in frequent contact with employers and unions in the Port of London and other ports throughout the country.
I am further advised that the Port of London Authority has organised seminars on the subject of port safety for its senior management and that a group safety manual has been made freely available to all employees. The joint accident prevention committee meets regularly and has recently been reorganised to provide wider representation of workers. The National Association of Port Employers has also sponsored seminars on port safety matters.