§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which organisations he consulted about changes to the guidance on health and safety enforcement practice; and if he will make a statement; [7243]
(2) when he issued his proposals on health and safety enforcement practice for consultation under section 3(1) of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994; and if he will make a statement. [7244]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordGuidance on arrangements for the enforcement of health and safety at work is a matter for the Health and Safety Commission. The commission has drawn up statutory guidance under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which reflects the enforcement principles of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act
1240W1994. In so doing the Commission has sought the views of local authorities through the Health and Safety Executive local authority enforcement liaison committee and the deregulation task force. I understand that the commission plans to issue the guidance early next year. It will be reflected in instructions to Health and Safety Executive inspectors.