§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the criticisms expressed in the Report of the Committee on Safety and Health at Work, of the standard of inspection and interpretation of the statutory provisions of health and safety requirements at places of work, what action his Department is taking.
§ Mr. EmeryThe Report of the Committee on Safety and Health at Work made no specific criticisms either of the standard of inspection or the interpretation of legislation in the industries for which my Department has responsibilities, notably mines and quarries and nuclear installations. I believe that standards in these industries are not bettered in any major country.
While it would take too long to list the ways in which my Department is acting to reduce accidents in general, I agree with the Committee's view that the creation of conditions for more effective participation and self-regulation by employers and workpeople generally will be a key factor in securing improvement. My Department is continuing to foster developments in this direction, in which the coal mining industry in particular has a long and excellent record.