§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the Health and Safety Executive last 273W carried out an inspection at British Shipbuilders; and if any observations were made concerning British Shipbuilders' compliance with section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
§ Mr. GummerInspection of the member companies of British Shipbuilders falls to the Health and Safety Executive. It is not possible to say without disproportionate cost when establishments of the member companies were last inspected.
The factory inspectorate places a high priority on shipbuilding and ship repairing and it visits shipyards frequently. Inspectors check as necessary the safety policies issued by member companies in compliance with section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.
The direct staff of British Shipbuilders are employed at two office premises, one in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the other in London. Inspection of these offices is undertaken by the relevant local authority which is an independent enforcing authority under the Act.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Health and Safety Executive has been informed of any written statement by British Shipbuilders of its general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of its direct employees.
§ Mr. GummerNo. Any written statement by British Shipbuilders of its general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of its direct employees is a matter for the independent enforcing authority under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, which for British Shipbuilders' two offices, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and London, is the relevant local authority.