HC Deb 26 February 1991 vol 186 cc478-9W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what examination his Department has conducted of the Swedish system of regional safety representatives and its applicability to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

Systems of safety representatives differ greatly from one country to another because of major differences in legal systems and in approaches to industrial relations. The Health and Safety Commission is responsible for keeping British health and safety legislation under review. In doing so, it keeps itself informed of relevant developments in other countries, including Sweden. It is for the commission to propose that elements of other countries' systems be adopted in this country should it decide that this would be appropriate.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his Department's response to the recent report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive on the implementation and effectiveness of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, in particular on the decline noted in the proportion of firms with appointed safety representatives.

Mr. Forth

It is for the Health and Safety Commission to consider whether to propose any change in the present system of safety representatives and safety committees in the light of the report published by the executive. I will consider any proposals that the commission may decide to put to me.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what free explanatory leaflets or other publicity and advisory material to raise public awareness and provide guidance on the aims and advantages of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 have been produced by the Health and Safety Executive since 1977; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

Comprehensive guidance on the 1977 regulations is contained in the Health and Safety Commission's booklet "Safety Representatives and Safety Committees", first published in 1977 and reissued in a new format in 1988. The booklet contains the texts of the regulations, two associated approved codes of practice and supporting guidance notes.