Health and Safety

HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 cc887-8W

Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made in the establishing of safety committees since the Health and Safety Commission was brought into being.

Mr. John Grant

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, coming into effect on 1st Octo- ber 1978, give effect to proposals of the Health and Safety Commission and provide that an employer must establish a safety committee if two or more safety representatives request it in writing. The Health and Safety Commission, my right hon. Friend and I have urged employers on several occasions over the last year or two to establish safety committees in advance of the legislation and I understand that a number of employers have already established safety committees on a voluntary basis.