asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many sorts of businesses for which his Department is responsible are required to have a licence or registration with his Department, and if he has any plans to extend this requirement.
pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 26th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 781–2], gave the following information:The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has now informed me that the following sorts of businesses and activities are required under the health and safety legislation indicated to have a licence or registration:
- Nuclear installations—Nuclear Installations Act 1965.
- Explosives factories and magazines—Explosives Act 1875.
- Importation of explosives—Explosives Act 1875.
- Scheduled works—Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act 1906.
- Disinfection against anthrax—Anthrax Prevention Order 1971.
- Keeping of petroleum spirit—Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928.
In accordance with Sections 11 and 50 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, any proposals for the extension of licensing or registration of businesses by the Health and Safety Commission would be made to the Secretary of State by the Commission after consultation with interested Government Departments and bodies. I am informed that licensing is under consideration for certain types of work involving existing sprayed asbestos coatings or asbestos based insulations, and for the importation of acetylene.