§ Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will hold discussions in the early future with the Greater London Council and representatives of local authorities in the Greater London area with a view to tightening up precautionary measures to control accidental leakages of gaseous and similar harmful chemical substances from industrial and chemical installations sited close to residential areas.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act in the majority of premises containing hazardous chemicals, although local authorities have similar duties in some cases. In health and safety matters close liaison is already maintained at a number of levels between the executive, the GLC and other local authorities in the Greater London area. The formal link for this liaison is with the senior area director of the Health and Safety Executive, who is available to meet representatives of the GLC and other local authorities to discuss these matters should they wish. Bearing in mind the existing arrangements, my right hon. Friend does not propose to initiate discussions with local authorities on precautionary measures to control accidental leakage of harmful chemical substances at this time.