HC Deb 04 April 1984 vol 57 cc574-5W
Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are employed full-time and part-time respectively, on docks or in dockyards.

Mr. Alan Clark

The following table gives the estimated numbers of employees in employment in Great Britain in shipbuilding and repairing and in supporting services to sea transport. The figures relate to December 1983, the latest available, and include full and part-time employees. Separate figures are given for females in part-time employment; corresponding figures for males are not available.

Standard Industrial Classification 1980 Male Female of which part-time
Shipbuilding and repairing (activity heading 3610) 100,000 8,800 2,000
Supporting services to sea transport (activity heading 7630) 39,000 4,200 1,200

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of workers on docks or in dockyards he estimates are supplied with safety shoes by their employers; and what percentage of such employees are required to contribute towards the cost of such footwear.

Mr. Gummer

There are no available statistics on which to base such estimates.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce specific statutory requirements for the provision of safety footwear to workers on docks or in dockyards.

Mr. Gummer

No. Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will issue guidance to employers of workers on docks or in dockyards that safety shoes should be supplied at no cost to the workers concerned.

Mr. Gummer

No, I do not intend to issue such guidance. These are matters for the Health and Safety Executive.