HC Deb 29 March 2004 vol 419 cc1247-8W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will contribute to activities in relation to Workers Memorial Day on 28 April to help raise awareness of health and safety issues within the workplace. [161234]

Mr. Browne

I agree that as Minister for Work it is important I give my support for International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April.

We must remember and pay tribute to the men and women who have been killed, injured or made ill by work. We should not forget them and the Memorial Day is an opportunity for many people to think about those they have lost. For those of us who are engaged with keeping workers safe and healthy the Workers Memorial Day reminds us of the need to continue improving workplace health and safety.

I will be writing to Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC, in support of the many activities trade unions are organising for the day. The TUC's online `Book of Remembrance' is an innovative and moving initiative and I commend everybody to read it.

Our continuing aim is, of course, to reduce the number of workers that we remember with sadness.