§ 59. Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors there are in the Industrial Hygiene Division; how many will be required to ensure that no place of work exceeded the maximum level for toxic materials above which it is not safe to go.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThere are 26 specialist inspectors of factories supported by 23 scientific staff engaged full-time on industrial hygiene work. In addition, all factory inspectors devote a proportion of their time to this work.
The responsibility for ensuring that concentrations of toxic materials which may be dangerous are not exceeded rests with the factory occupier, on whom the Factories Act places the general responsibility for the safety and health of his employees. It would neither be practicable nor in accordance with the law to transfer this responsibility to the Factory Inspectorate.
§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ask the Robens Committee to examine the merits of legislation to enforce the maximum levels for toxic materials in factories and other places of work above which it is not safe to go.
§ Mr. R. CarrThis is within the terms of reference of the Robens Committee and I have drawn its attention to the Question.