§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it the policy of the Health and Safety Executive that every workplace where a youth training scheme trainee has on-the-job training should be visited by a Manpower Services Commission officer.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 22 November 1983, c. 55]: The Health and Safety Executive will continue to monitor workplaces according to their hazard-rating systems. The presence of young people in the workplace is a factor that is considered in the assessments made.
In addition to statutory obligations, managing agents have a contractual commitment with the Manpower Services Commission to secure the health, safety and welfare of all young people participating in their training programme to the same extent and in the same manner as an employer is required to do in relation to his employees under current legislation.
Both organisations will continue to play their part in seeking to reduce accidents. In this context, it is not 173W appropriate for the Health and Safety Executive to seek to direct the Manpower Services Commission in the way indicated by the hon. Member.