HC Deb 17 December 1987 vol 124 cc659-60W
Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what representations his Department has received since 1977 calling for the repeal of regulation 6(1)(vii) to (xi) of the Pottery (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations 1950 which prohibits women and young persons from employment in specified processes which may expose them to clay and silica dust;

(2) what representations his Department has received since 1977 calling for the repeal of section 205 of the Public Health Act 1936 for England and Wales and the fifth schedule of the Factories Act 1961 for Scotland, which prohibit the employment of a woman in a factory within four weeks of giving birth;

(3) what representations his Department has received calling for the denunciation of International Labour Organisation convention 45; Underground Work (Women) and European Social Charter article 8(4)(b);

(4) what representations his Department has received since 1977 calling for the repeal of section 93 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 which prohibits women and young people from lifting, carrying or moving a load so heavy as likely to cause injury at a mine;

(5) what representations his Department has received since 1977 calling for the repeal of section 124(1) of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 and section 21(1) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, which prohibits the employment of women below ground in mines;

(6) what representations his Department has received since 1977, calling for the repeal of section 4 of the Factories Act 1961, which prohibits the employment of women and young persons in certain processes connected with lead manufacture in factories;

(7) what representations his Department has received since 1977 calling for the repeal of regulations 6(1)(i) to (vi) of the Pottery (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations 1950, which prohibit women and young people from employment in specified processes involving lead.

Mr. Nicholls

No record has been kept. However, these provisions were included in the 1979 Equal Opportunities Commission report "Health and Safety Legislation: Should we distinguish between men and women?"

In addition, the European Commission communication "Protective Legislation for Women in the Member States of the European Community" (COM(87)105 final) drew attention to the fact that much protective legislation was contrary to the equal treatment directive (Council directive 76/207/EEC). The Government have issued a consultative document on "Restrictions on Employment of Young People and the Removal of Sex Discrimination in Legislation" which examines such legislation, suggests possible ways forward and seeks views.