HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc162-3W
Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act; and whether any changes are contemplated.

Mr. Mayhew

Although, of course much remains to be done, the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 has already made a major contribution to the improvement of occupational health and safety in this country and although its operation will be kept under review there are, at present, no plans for any changes in its provisions.

Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions have taken place under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act; and if he will list the different categories.

Mr. Mayhew

The chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that details of prosecutions in the exact form requested are not readily available. However, I am informed that there have been 1,850 informations—that is, separate allegations that an offence has been committed—laid between 1

Prosecutions by HSE Inspectors under HSWA, 1975 to 31 March 1979
Category Section of Act No. of Information Laid Convictions
General Duties of Employers and Occupiers of Premises To Employees 2 958 844
To Others 3 & 4 227 189
Safety of Equipment and Materials supplied and used 6 75 62
Duties of Employees 7 77 71
Contravention of Regulations Etc. 33 389 377
Other Sections 124(1) 102(3)
1,850(2) 1,645
Notes:
(1) Includes 69 informations laid by the Agricultural Inspectorate in 1977 under the HSWA; no analysis of these is available.
(2) Excludes any informations laid by the Agricultural Inspectorate in 1978 or 1979.
(3) Includes 52 informations laid by the Agricultural Inspectorate in 1977 under the HSWA.