§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any figures which indicate, on a comparable basis, the frequency of factory inspections in each of the European Community countries.
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§ Mr. NichollsDirect comparisons of this kind are very difficult because of differences in enforcement arrangements and statistical systems.
Evidence on these issues was given by the Health and Safety Commission to the Employment Select Committee and this is recorded in the minutes of evidence for 28 January 1987, "The Work of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive", House of Commons paper 164, part 1, which is available in the House Library.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he has any indication of when a common standard and frequency of factory inspection will be established throughout the European Community countries;
(2) what representations he has received seeking the establishment of a common standard and frequency of factory inspection throughout the European Community countries.
§ Mr. NichollsI am aware of concern about consistency of enforcement standards in the European Community, from various contacts with both sides of United Kingdom industry. I share the view of the Health and Safety Commission, in its latest plan of work, on the need to ensure that Community legislation is implemented and enforced in an even-handed way in all member states. There is no quick or easy solution; the United Kingdom will take every opportunity—in relevant contacts with the Community institutions and with other member states—to promote greater attention to the issue.