§ 23. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department received the St. Helens Borough Council decision to recommend the closing down of Leathers Chemicals Ltd., of Sutton, St. Helens; what steps he has taken to ensure the safety of the public and employees of the firm; and if he will make a statement about the recent accident which took place at the plant in which workers were injured, one fatally.
§ Mr. John SilkinI hope my hon. Friend will convey my sympathy to those who suffered in the recent accident and their relatives. The council's order discontinuing the use of the plant was received in May 1975 and my decision on it will take account of all the issues raised at the public inquiry last January. The safety of operations at the plant is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.