§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent he estimates the decline in fatal and other accidents in factories in 1970 was due to improved safety practices; to what extent to the number of unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Dudley SmithThe figures for any one year must always be interpreted with caution, but there are grounds for thinking that there has been a slight but encouraging improvement in the level of safety performance. The reduction in the average number of persons at risk is, of course, a primary cause of the reduction in the gross figures.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to require that employers prosecuted for offences under the health and safety sections of the Factories Act are compelled to close their factories, sections of their factories or the affending plant until the best safety standards are made available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThis is within the field being considered by the Committee on Safety and Health under the chairmanship of Lord Robens, and I am drawing the Committee's attention to the hon. Member's suggestion.