HC Deb 09 December 1981 vol 14 cc437-8W
Mr. Joseph Dean

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there is a list in being of factories which are potentially dangerous to the residents living in close proximity to them; and if he will list the safeguards being applied by the various bodies and by local authorities so far as they are known to his Department.

Mr. Waddington

I have been asked to reply.

The Health and Safety Executive keeps a list of factories which store specified hazardous substances in quantities which could lead to a major hazard outside the confines of the workplace. These factories are subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related legislation, which requires employers to conduct their undertakings so as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and members of the public. The Health and Safety Executive is the main body responsible for the enforcement of this legislation, and the safeguards which are applied depend on the circumstances of each individual case.