§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards the Small Business Bureau research survey entitled "Employment Protection" and the statistical results of that analysis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe hon. Member is no doubt referring to the survey entitled "Employment Protection or Prevention" printed and published by the Conservative Party Central Office. The introduction to this survey said
The provisions of the Employment Protection Act have been mentioned as an important reason why small firms do not take on more workers",and invited respondents to indicate by ticking boxeshow significant it is to your business in terms of jobs and your plans for the next couple of yearsandwhich parts of the Act it is which are actively reducing job prospects in your firm".
Industry Fishing† Coal mining Manufacturing (Factories Act only) Year Fatal accidents Incidence per 100,000 at risk Fatal accidents Incidence per 100,000 at risk Fatal accidents Incidence per 100,000 at risk 1961 … 30 114.5 235 39.8 313 4.5 1962 … 44 168.6 257 45.1 319 4.7 1963 … 24 96.4 254 46.8 276 4.1 1964 … 30 123.5 198 38.4 292 4.3 1965 … 47 196.7 216 44.6 296 4.3 1966 … 33 143.5 160 36.0 312 4.5 1967 … 20 88.1 151 36.1 278 4.1 1968 … 84 385.3 115 31.4 298 4.4 1969 … 30 140.9 100 30.6 285 4.2 1970 … 23 111.7 91 29.9 278 4.3 1971 … 26 122.6 72 24.2 251 4.3 1972 … 23 104.1 64 22.1 214 3.9 1973 … 28 123.9 80 29.6 236 4.2 1974 … 73 320.2 48 18.7 254 4.5 1975 … 29 135.5 64 24.7 196 3.7 1976 … 31 148.3 50 19.6 175 3.4 1977 … .. .. 40 15.8 182* 3.5* * Provisional. † Figures on fatalities and numbers at risk have been provided by Department of Trade. .. Not yet available.