§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many fairgrounds inspections were made by factory inspectors during 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 and to the most recent practicable date; and how many improvement and prohibition notices were issued arising from such visits.
§ Mr. MayhewI am advised by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that statistics relating to the activities of Her Majesty's inspectors of factories are not kept in a form which enables fairgrounds to be readily distinguished.
In the period 1975–77 some visits were paid to investigate accidents and complaints, and from 1978 onwards fairgrounds have been included in the planned programme of visits to be paid in each HSE area.
Classification of improvement and prohibition notices is by the minimum list heading of the standard industrial classification: fun fairs are included within minimum list heading 882 (sport and other recreation), for which data so far analysed shows 11 notices to have been issued by Her Majesty's factory inspectors up to 31 December 1977. Of these seven were improvement notices, four were immediate prohibition notices and none was a deferred prohibition notice, but the classification does not show how many, if any, of these notices related specifically to fairgrounds.
Statistics in the detail requested should become available progressively from 1981 212W as the Health and Safety Executive's computerisation programme comes into operation.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the code of practice for the safety of fairgrounds; and if he will make a statement; and if he has received any proposals for legislation from the Health and Safety Commission.
§ Mr. MayhewThe code of practice for safety at fairgrounds referred to by the hon. Member is taken to be the "Guide to Safety at Fairs" produced by the Home Office and published in 1976.
There is also the "Safety Code for the Operation of Travelling Fairground Equipment" which is issued by the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain in co-operation with the Institute of Municipal Safety Officers and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
The chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that data are currently being obtained and evaluated as a basis for determining the extent to which the guide may need to be revised. This consideration has to take into account developments in type and construction of fairground rides, the nature of the causes of failures which occur and the techniques presently available which are capable of being applied to the examination of fairground equipment.
I have not received from the Health and Safety Commission any proposals for legislation specifically relating to fairgrounds but I would point out that the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 already require those operating fairgrounds to conduct their activities with regard for the safety of their employees and the public.