§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many Manpower Services Commission trainees have been placed at premises which should have been registered with Health and Safety Executive under section 137 of the Factories Act 1961 but have not been so registered.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI am afraid that information in the precise form requested is not readily available.
The Manpower Services Commission makes every effort to ensure that employers who take on trainees under training schemes sponsored by the commission comply with health and safety legislation, and Manpower Services Commission guidance requires officials engaged in checking scheme applications to submit a written report on all aspects of the proposals, including health and safety.
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§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that all workplaces at which Manpower Services Commission trainees are placed and to which section 137 of the Factories Act 1961 applies have notified the Health and Safety Executive inspectorate in accordance with the section.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe responsibility for notifying the factory inspectorate of the occupation of premises for use as a factory in accordance with section 137 of the Factories Act 1961 rests with the person who proposes such occupation. Advice is readily available in leaflet SHW 8 "So You Want to Start a Factory", which can be obtained from HSE area offices.
The Manpower Services Commission takes positive steps to remind employers that they have responsibilities under health and safety legislation, and in the youth training scheme managing agents will have a contracted responsibility to take necessary steps to secure the health, safety and welfare of all young people participating in the programme to the same extent and in the same manner as an employer is required to do in relation to his employees by or under the relevant legislation.