§ 39. Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation covering health and safety in the agricultural industry for the(a) distance from private housing, (b) distance from public highways and footpaths and (c) size and height, of bales or wheels of straw and hay stored in open fields.
§ Mr. ForthI have no current intentions of doing so. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcing the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which applies to agricultural undertakings. The HSE recommends that stacks should always be placed at a reasonable distance from property and roads to minimise potential risks. The HSE has produced a guidance booklet "The Killing Fields" which deals with the siting and stacking of bales in relation to other fire hazards.
Existing general duties and enforcement powers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 are considered adequate to deal with any problems that may arise on this matter.