To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the obligations on employers under (a) the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and (b) other health and safety legislation to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic; and if he will make a statement. (172768)

In any influenza pandemic, employers will continue to have obligations under health and safety legislation. That legislation is sufficiently flexible to allow employers to tailor their risk assessments to an emergency situation without the need to disapply or suspend any of their responsibilities. The Heath and Safety Executive's website has information for employers to assist them in the event of a pandemic influenza.