HC Deb 07 May 1985 vol 78 c353W
Mr. Lyell

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what representations the Minister for the Arts has received as to the respective merits of funding the Eastern Authorities Orchestral Associations or, as an alternative, setting up a new resident orchestra to tour the eastern area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. and noble Friend has received a small number of direct representations, but it is for the Arts Council to determine the policy for orchestral provision in Eastern England. The council published a discussion paper on 18 April and hope to receive reactions and suggestions by midsummer, and to come to a decision in the autumn.

Mr. Lyell

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts whether any local authorities have expressed their support to the Minister for the Arts for the setting up of a new resident orchestra for the eastern area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

As I indicated in my answer of 7 May, it if for the Arts Council and not for my right hon. and noble Friend to determine policy on orchestral provision for eastern England. Several local authorities have expressed an interest in the council's proposals for a new resident orchestra. The council has published a

1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983
Over three-day injuries to employees *581,000 *509,000 †434,792 †389,781 n/a
Major injuries‡
To employees 12,315 12,275 12,273
To non-employees 5,701 5,745 6,380
Fatal injuries||
To employees 622 615 579 449 468 442
To non-employees 129 132 152
Dangerous occurrences‡ 3,645 3,153 2,797

Notes

* Spells of certified incapacity for work resulting in industrial injury benefit claims for the years 1 June 1978—31 May 1979 and 1 June 1979 —31 May 1980. Some road accidents are included which are excluded from later years' figures.

† All injuries to employees reportable under the Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1980, that is, absences from work for over three days (notified to HSE via DHSS), major injuries and fatalities.

‡ These categories became reportable under the Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, in which they are defined, from 1 January 1981. Dangerous occurrences involving injury are also included in the injury count.

|| 1978–80 figures include fatal injuries reported voluntarily before new reporting requirements were introduced in 1981, they are not necessarily complete and may include some non-employees.

Mr. Michie

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, further to the answer of 15 April, Official Report, column 47, he has plans to request the Health and Safety Executive to conduct a further survey of the number of employees covered by safety representatives.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

No.