§ Mr. Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to give guidance to area health authorities on the implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act, particularly in respect of the appointment of safety officers and bringing equipment and plant up to standard at a time of financial stringency.
§ Dr. OwenAs I said in my reply to the hon. Member on 22nd June, the need to supplement the advice already given to health authorities in April 1975 is being considered. The appointment of safety officers is not one of the general duties placed upon employers by this Act. Much guidance has already been issued about the care and maintenance of specific items of plant and equipment in the health services; and the need for further general advice, taking into account both the financial constraints of the NHS and the views of the Health and Safety 71W Commission, will be determined after the Health and Safety Executive has completed its pilot study of the health services in the North West Thames Region.— [Vol. 913; c. 457–8]