HL Deb 30 October 1985 vol 467 cc1595-6WA
Lord Wedderburn of Charlton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) how many of the 184,869 exemption orders made by the Health and Safety Executive for women under Section 117 of the Factories Act, and current in June 1985, were made in respect of extended hours, double day shifts, long spells, night shifts, part-time work, Saturday work and Sunday work; (b) what were the equivalent figures for the orders covering 4,028 young workers; (c) whether it will resume publication quarterly of a detailed analysis of such orders; and (d) what steps are taken to ensure that applications for such orders are actually made by employers in regard to women and young workers for whom they are required.

Lord Young of Graffham

At the end of June 1985 the employment of 184,869 women and 18,067 young persons was covered by 4,028 special exemption orders granted by the Health and Safety Executive under Section 117 of the Factories Act. Figures which would enable a detailed analysis to be undertaken are no longer readily available. The production of such information would involve a disproportionate cost.

The Executive has no plans to resume quarterly publication of a detailed analysis of orders issued. Applications for such orders are investigated by the Executive.