Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Ian Stewart (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 10 October 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill.


Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill

I agree wholeheartedly. The key is in the quote from Sir Digby Jones. The issue is about raising the consciousness of the directing minds of the company so that it equates and is equal to their concern to exercise their duties properly and responsibly under fraud and other legislation for which they can be given a custodial sentence if they fail to exercise their duties. It has been interesting to see the reasoned approach of those on the official Opposition Front Bench. That amounts to an understanding that this measure is not about the nanny state and needless red tape. Health and safety at work is, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said,"““the mark of a civilised society””." This Bill is welcome; in fact, it is very welcome. It has been a long time in the oven but I do not believe that it is fully formed or ready for the table yet. I hope that the Government will correct the directors’ duties omission and resolve the other concerns that I have highlighted so that we have a Bill on Third Reading that gives every possible protection to the working people of this country. With the commonality of effort described by the Secretary of State earlier in the debate, I am sure that we can do that.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
450 c239-40 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Accountability Armed forces Death Companies Directors Crown immunity Corporate manslaughter Disqualification Liability Homicide Health and safety Health and Safety Executive Fines Exemptions Foreign companies Police Prosecutions Management Negligence Scotland Prohibition notices
Legislation
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill 2005-06 to 2006-07
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk