§ 21. Mr. Proctorasked the Minister of Transport if he will appoint a departmental committee to consider what administrative changes are necessary in the road and bridge construction programme at present in operation; and whether he will make a statement on 130W the incidence of accidents, such as the two suffered at Barton Bridge, and the present arrangements for contracting and sub-contracting.
§ Mr. MarplesAs I have explained in a recent letter to the hon. Member, the safety of workers on schemes like the Barton Bridge is covered by the Factories Acts, which are administered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. The present arrangements for contracting and sub-contracting on these projects are governed by the relevant clauses in the Institution of Civil Engineers' Standard Conditions of Contract and I have heard no suggestion that they are unsatisfactory in this respect. I do not consider, therefore, that there is any occasion to set up a committee on the lines suggested.