HC Deb 21 November 1972 vol 846 cc340-1W
75. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will have consultations with employers of labour in the construction industry designed to secure greater cognisance among them of safety measures, in view of the criticisms contained in the report of the Chief Inspector of Factories.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Consultations with both employers and trades unions take place from time to time on my right hon. Friend's Joint Advisory Committee for the Construction Industries.

Two sub-committees are at present preparing two reports, one on the collapse of scaffolds and the other on health and asbestos.

Apart from these activities, there are frequent ad hoc consultations between representatives of my Department and employers' associations including the National Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors.

I can assure the hon. Member that we have not lost sight of the points made in the chief inspector's report.