§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether all his Department's factories are subject to regular inspection by the Health and Safety Executive; and what number of prohibition an improvement notices have been issued in 1979 and 1980 to the most recent practicable date.
§ Mr. HayhoeAll MOD premises registered as factories under the Factories Act 1961 are open to inspection by the Health and Safety Executive. Frequency of inspection is a matter for the Executive. The Crown is not subject to prohibition and improvement notices under sections 21 to 23 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. An HSE inspector can, however, notify a Crown employer that in his opinion work should cease or improvements be made. In 1979 the Ministry of Defence received four such notices of which one recommended cessation of work. No notices have been received in 1980.