§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the degree of involvement of trade union representatives in health and safety in the agricultural industry; and how many establishments have trade union safety representatives.
§ Mr. NichollsTrade union representatives take part in discussions on health and safety issues in the agricultural industry through the Health and Safety Commission's agriculture industry advisory committee and its working parties, and directly with agricultural employers. A survey carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in 1979 found that trade union-appointed safety representatives were present in only 1 per cent. of agricultural establishments. However, as only about 30 per cent. of such establishments have one or more regular employees, this figure covered about 15 per cent of agricultual employees. The Executive is currently updating its 1979 findings by means of a new survey.
§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will introduce legislation to enforce the appointment of appropriate trade union safety representatives in the agricultural industry.
§ Mr. NichollsNo. The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 allow recognised trades unions to appoint safety representatives in agriculture and in other industries. Trades union are not obliged to appoint safety representatives, nor are employers obliged to recognise trades unions. This is a matter for negotiation between unions and the employers concerned.