§ 49. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerYes. The Act requires employers to display their current certificate of insurance for the information of employees and this continues to be a satisfactory means of alerting the enforcing authorities to possible contraventions.
Until 1st April 1975 the administration of the Act was dealt with by officials of the Department of Employment and these duties have, since that date, been transferred to officials of the Health and Safety Executive. The majority of complaints, relating to non-display of the certificate of insurance, have been and continue to be dealt with by correspondence.
Since the Act came into force on 1st January 1972, two employers have been prosecuted for failing to take out the necessary insurance and two cases are under investigation at the moment. These low levels of non-compliance suggest that the aims of the Act are being fulfilled.