§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average fine imposed on negligent employers in respect of deaths occurring on building sites over the last five years for which records have been maintained.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many deaths have occurred on building and construction sites over the last five years; and how many custodial sentences have been given to negligent employers in respect of these deaths.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe available information for Great Britain is provided in the table. Data for the latest year commencing 1 April 1991 is not yet available.
Table: Fatal injuries in the construction industry reported to enforcement authorities 1986–87–1990–911 Year Employees Self-employed Members of public Total 1986–87 99 26 14 139 1987–88 103 40 15 158 1988–89 101 36 14 151 1989–90 100 54 11 165 1990–91 96 28 9 133 Total 499 184 63 746 1 Years commencing 1 April. The courts can impose a custodial sentence for a range of offences under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. The offence need not have resulted in a fatality or injury; the penalty of imprisonment is available regardless of the outcome. However, only one custodial sentence has been given within the last five years. It was not connected with the construction industry.