HC Deb 02 March 2004 vol 418 cc851-2W
Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the Health and Safety Executive has powers to prevent working after dark on cockle beds if this activity presents a risk of serious personal injury. [156860]

Mr. Pond

[holding answer 27 February 2004]The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has no existing powers to impose a general ban on cockle picking after dark.

However, HSE inspectors do have the power to issue a prohibition notice on a person carrying on or in control of a work activity until the risks are remedied, if there is sufficient evidence of a breach of health and safety law.

Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the Health and Safety Executive has powers to prohibit work on cockle beds if those activities present a risk of serious personal injury. [156852]

Mr. Pond

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has no existing powers to impose a general ban on cockle picking.

However, HSE inspectors do have the power to issue a prohibition notice on a person in control of a work activity to stop that activity until the risks are remedied, if there is sufficient evidence of a breach of health and safety law.