HC Deb 19 June 1979 vol 968 cc484-5W
41. Miss Boothroyd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the british approval service for electrical equipment in flammable atmospheres (BASEEFA); and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the problems, including manning levels, which have given rise to lengthy delays in the working of BASEEFA, are under thorough and urgent review by the Health and Safety Executive. This is a serious matter and both the chairman of the HSC and the director of the HSE share my concern that the review be completed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile specialist staff for BASEEFA have been exempted from the current ban on civil service recruitment.