Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act (Inspectors)

HC Deb 13 June 1966 vol 729 c221W

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that an adequate number of inspectors have been appointed to see that the provisions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963 are carried out; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gunter

In most premises covered by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act enforcement of the general and fire provisions is the responsibility of the local and fire authorities. Local authorities have authorised 4,721 inspectors to enforce the general provisions of the Act on a full or part-time basis. Enforcement of the fire provisions of the Act is for the most part carried out by the existing staff of the Fire Brigades. H.M. Factory Inspectorate are responsible for enforcement in Crown and local authority premises, railway premises and factory offices. Forty-two additional posts have been authorised for work in connection with the Act.

In spite of the staffing problems which have had to be faced a useful start has been made in the work of enforcing the Act. My report on the operation of the Act in 1965 will be presented to Parliament in the autumn.