HC Deb 12 March 1981 vol 1000 c368W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the increase in manpower in (a) industry generally and (b) local government caused by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.

Mr. Waddington

There are no reliable data available on which estimates of manpower increases in industry and local government as a result of the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 can be based. There is no specific requirement on employers to appoint staff and my right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that the indirect effects have led to any significant increase.