Written question asked by Geraldine Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 March 2004. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 March 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: 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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information