§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the enforcement of the obligations of gangmasters to ensure that the staff they provide to British farmers and growers(a) are aware of the health and safety requirements of their work and (b) hold appropriate qualifications for any specialised tasks they may need to perform. [124888]
247W
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 10 July 2003]: Employers, including gangmasters have responsibility for the health and safety of their employees. Enforcement of health and safety aw in the agriculture sector rests with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a summary of HSE's enforcement and other activities can be found in the Health and Safety Commission's annual report available from the House library. HSE is involved with other Government agencies and departments in the Gangmaster Working Group's activities to co-ordinate enforcement activity against gangmasters acting illegally.