Health and Safety

HC Deb 05 July 1988 vol 136 cc562-4W

101. Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy towards the balance to be struck by the Health and Safety Commission between hazards to people and costs to industry.

Mr. Nicholls

The Health and Safety Commission in its last published plan of work (for 1985–86 and onwards) stated that the protection of those at work and of the public is its indispensable aim, and that this must be achieved at realistic cost to industry, with technical understanding, and by the use of practical common sense.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has endorsed the commission's policy and in considering proposals put to him by the commission for new legislation under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. We use the same criteria.

142. Mr. Buckley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to seek to increase the penalties available where health and safety law has been contravened.

Mr. Nicholls

It has been suggested that the maximum fines available to magistrates' courts for breaches of health and safety legislation are not high enough. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has sought the views of the Health and Safety Commission and is now considering with colleagues whether there is a case to be made for reviewing these penalties.