§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to extend the rights of trainees on youth training schemes to give them the protection enjoyed by employees under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
§ Mr. GummerRegulations for this purpose, entitled the Health and Safety (Youth Training Scheme) Regulations 1983, were laid on 21 December 1983 and came into operation on 11 January 1984. They ensure that trainees on the youth training schems — who have always been covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act —are covered at the workplace by section 2 and other relevant provisions under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, as well as by all the other "relevant statutory provisions" continued in force by the 1974 Act.
§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many safety officers are employed by the Manpower Services Commission to supervise the youth training schemes; and if he will increase that figure.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonUnder the youth training scheme it is the responsibility of managing agents and sponsors to supervise individual schemes and ensure the health and safety of young people on them. The Manpower Services Commission does, however, employ 62 staff on health and safety duties which include work related to the youth training scheme. In addition, the commission is in the process of appointing nine regional safety consultants.