§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the responsibilities of local authorities under section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work 597W Act etc. 1974 have yet been made clear; and what provision has been made for increasing the number of local authority inspectors to deal with these increased responsibilities.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that no allocation of responsibilities under Section 18 of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 has yet been made. When allocation of duties has been agreed it will be up to the local authorities to determine how many extra inspectors they will need.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether any regulations have been made under section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 for appointment in prescribed cases by recognised trade unions of safety representatives from amongst employees.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerNo regulations have yet been made under Section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Health and Safety Commission has today published a consultative document setting out its proposals for the appointment of safety representatives by recognised trade unions under Section 2(4) and also for the establishment of safety committees under Section 2(7). Copies of the document have been placed in the Library of the House and in the Vote Office. When the process of consultation has been completed the Commission intends to submit proposals for regulations.