§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the number of inspections of workplaces by the Health and Safety Executive reduced in the last five years. [78448]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe reduction in numbers of preventive inspections from 116,652 in 1996–97 to 75,237 in 2001–02 is a reflection of the increase in both the quantity and complexity of HSE's reactive work in carrying out investigations. The numbers of investigations has increased from 27,889 in 1996–97 to 37,855 in 2001–02, a rise of 35 per cent.
A balanced programme of inspections and investigations is necessary to secure improvements in workplace health and safety.