§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the question of ending labour-only sub-contracting in the building industry in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have not received any representations for the ending of labour-only sub-contracting in the building industry.
Labour-only sub-contracting is a recognised form of employment in the building industry.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many workers have been killed in industrial accidents in the building industry in Northern Ireland in each of the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982, respectively.
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§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe number of fatal industrial accidents to employees in the building industry in Northern Ireland which was reported to the Health and Safety Inspectorate for the years 1979 to 1982 is as follows:
Number 1979 8 1980 2 1981 3 1982 2
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the current safety regulations in the building industry in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerYes. Building and civil engineering workers in Northern Ireland receive protection comparable with that which is provided to workers under health and safety legislation in the rest of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of persons who have sustained (a) minor and (b) serious injuries in the building industry in Northern Ireland for the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982, respectively.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe number of accidents involving injury to persons employed in the building industry in Northern Ireland for the years 1979 to 1981 which was reported to the Department of Manpower Services is as follows:
Number 1979 710 1980 720 1981 491 The system of reporting accidents which was in force during the years referred to did not distinguish between minor and serious injuries.
The number of accidents involving injury to persons working in the building industry in Northern Ireland which was reported to the Health and Safety Inspectorate for 1982 is as follows:
Number All accidents 1,117 Accidents involving major injury 45
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reduce the number of industrial accidents in the building industry in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerI consider that the main response if the number of industrial accidents in the building industry is to be reduced must come from both the workers and employers in that industry.
The Government have pledged their full support to the "Site Safe '83" campaign which has been introduced in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and which is aimed at changing people's attitudes in the construction industry towards safer working practices. The Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland has accepted responsibility for promoting the campaign in Northern Ireland and is receiving the active support of the construction division of the Health and Safety Inspectorate.
99WThe Inspectorate will, of course, continue to enforce the provisions of the health and safety legislation and to assist those engaged in the industry to fulfil their obligations.