§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the responsibility of the agricultural inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive in aerial crop spraying.
§ Mr. GummerThe Health and Safety Executive's agricultural inspectorate is responsible for the enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its relevant statutory provisions. The inspectorate will, in conjuction with the health and Safety Executive's medical division, investigate aerial spraying incidents where the health and safety of persons affected by the spraying may have be en put at risk.
The use and method of application of a crop spraying chemical are also subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety (Agriculture) (Poisonous Substances) Regulations 1975 which require protective clothing to be worn and certain other precautions to be taken when using certain specified substances. Responsibility for enforcement of the regulations rests with the agricultural inspectorate.
If there is a breach of the Act or regulations enforcement action is taken.