HC Deb 02 April 1980 vol 982 cc216-7W
Mr. Forrester

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ask the Health and Safety Commission to hold a public inquiry into the fire and explosions at the warehouse of Permaflex Ltd., Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, in view of the widespread public concern and dissatisfaction which continues to be expressed.

Mr. Mayhew

[pursuant to his reply, 31 March 1980]: No. Both the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission and I have been in correspondence with Stoke-on-Trent city council on this matter recently. An investigation into the incident is being carried out by the local factory inspectorate in conjunction with its specialist experts. This is nearing completion and the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has asked the factory inspectorate to make its report findings and recommendations available to all interested parties. These recommendations will also be taken into account when considering the updated regulations referred to in the reply given to the hon. Member on 12 March.—[Vol. 980, c. 619–20.]