§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to be able to decide whether a public inquiry under section 14(2)(b) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 into the Abbeystead disaster is necessary.
§ Mr. GummerAs I informed the House on 24 May at columns 1249–53; the Health and Safety Commission has instructed the Health and Safety Executive to conduct an investigation under Section 14(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 into the accident at the Abbeystead water-pumping station on May 23. The report of the Executive will be published. The Commission will advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State of the findings and at that stage he will consider, with the Commission, whether any further inquiry is necessary.
As I told the House on 20 June at column 153, the Commission intends to publish the report in the autumn.