HC Deb 27 January 1975 vol 885 cc16-7W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what guidance the Health and Safety Commission or Health and Safety Executive will be giving to inspectors to enable them to decide when they should serve a prohibition notice under Section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;

(2) what guidance the Health and Safety Commission or Health and Safety Executive will be giving to inspectors to enable them to decide if an activity involves a risk of serious personal injury for the purposes of Section 22(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;

(3) if his Department treats the loss of a finger or broken arm as falling withing the classification of serious personal injury for the purposes of Section 22(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Mr. Harold Walker

I regret that the information requested could not be obtained in the time available. I shall circulate it in theOfficial Report as soon as possible.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make regulations to prevent formica, polystyrene and asbestos being machined on circular saws and spindle moulding machines without there being a contravention of Section 14(1) of the Factories Act 1961.

Mr. Harold Walker

I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that Section 14(1) of the Factories Act already has the effect of preventing these materials from being machined on circular saws and spindle moulding machines unless every dangerous part of the machine is securely fenced. I am not satisfied of the need for additional regulations dealing with this point.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the level of fines under Section 33(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which increased the penalty for a breach of Section 14 of the Factories Act 1961 above the maximum of £300 specified in Section 156 of the Factories Act 1961.

Mr. Harold Walker

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that on information available no cases have been heard to date in respect of offences under Section 14 of the Factories Act 1961 committed on or after 1st January 1975.