HC Deb 11 April 1989 vol 150 cc448-9W
Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to increase the qualifications of competent persons in health and safety matters.

Mr. Nicholls

I have no such plans. Requirements for "competent persons" in health and safety law do not normally specify qualifications because competence depends on a number of things including experience, training and personal qualities. Qualifications do not necessarily show that someone is competent for a particular task. Ultimately, whether a person is competent for the purpose depends on the circumstances and is a matter for the courts to decide.