§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to permit safety representatives appointed under Section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to issue prohibition and improvement notices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThere is no provision under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, neither do I intend introducing further legislation, to extend the power to issue prohibition and improvement notices to persons other than inspectors of enforcing authorities appointed under Section 19 and given these specific powers under Sections 21 and 22 of that Act.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to lay the regulations establishing safety representatives under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Commission is now urgently considering the many comments received from interested organisations and individuals on its consultative document on safety representatives and safety committees. This is a most important issue and the Commission cannot yet say when its consultative process will be completed. Once it is completed I will expect it to submit its proposals for my consideration prior to my laying Regulations before Parliament.