§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which statutory body is studying the need for national regulations for controlling the treatment and storage of hazardous substances in harbour areas; what are the precise terms of reference of that study; when it was commenced; when its completion is expected; and whether he will then make the findings available to Parliament.
§ Dr. GilbertI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that a working party comprising representatives of port authorities, the shipping, chemical and petroleum industries, trade unions and relevant Government Departments, was set up by the Health and Safety Executive and held its first meeting on 14th January 1976 with the following terms of reference
To develop regulatory proposals for the control of dangerous goods in harbours, ports and berths".The purpose of the working party is to help the Executive formulate proposals to go before the Commission. If the Commission decides to make regulatory proposals they will go through the full consultative procedure as required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and any draft regulations will be laid before the House.