§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions have been initiated under regulations relating to shop premises in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and how many of these prosecutions related to proprietors of so-called farm shops operating on agricultural land.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 25 June, 1984, c.346]: The 414 local authorities that provided the Health and Safety Executive with information for 1982 completed a total of 285 prosecutions during 1982 under legislation which includes provision for health and safety of shop premises. I regret I am unable to advise my hon. Friend what proportion of this figure relates to shop premises or so-called farm shops without separate inquiries of all local authorities, which could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the health and safety regulations, and other regulations for which he is responsible, which apply to premises described as farm shops; which of these apply also to other retail premises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 346]: A wide variety of statutory provisions to do with health and safety at work apply to retail premises, including premises described as farm shops. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its relevant statutory provisions apply and cover such matters as the general duties of employers and employees to protect health and safety at work, washing facilities, sanitary conveniences, dangerous machinery and so on.