§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the powers he has under public legislation to give directions to local authorities or otherwise require them to act in a way which he prescribes, giving in each case the legislative authority under which he may exercise these powers.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe following relevant powers have been identified in the main legislation governing the Department's activities
Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1958, section 3(1): power to direct local authorities to provide sheltered employment pursuant to section 15 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.Employment and Training Act 1973, section 10(2)—as amended by section 45 of the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993: power to direct local education authorities—in Scotland, education authorities—to provide, or arrange for the provision of, a careers service.Employment and Training Act 1973, section 10(7)—as amended by section 45 of the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993: power to direct LEAs to transfer relevant records to providers of the services.Employment and Training Act 1973, section 12(2): duty of LEAs to provide specified information in such form and at such times as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may direct.Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, section 18(2): power, by regulations, to make local authorities responsible for the enforcement of the relevant statutory provisions.