§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek to amend the provisions of Section 20(2)(j) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 relating to the inquisitorial powers of inspectors in order to limit questions to 325W those which are reasonable and germane to matters under investigation.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerNo. Section 20(1) of the Act makes it clear that the powers may be used only for the purpose of carrying into effect the relevant statutory provisions within the field of responsibility of the enforcing authority. The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that similar powers were given to mines and quarries and factory inspectors under previous Acts.