Mike Penning: “The HSE cannot be allowed to investigate itself – behind closed doors”.

In the House of Commons, on 16th March, Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, called on the Leader of the House of Commons, Geoff Hoon, to make time to debate the role of the Health and Safety Executive.

The HSE is investigating the disaster that occurred at Buncefield in December, but since it had a part to play in the disaster, it is investigating itself.

Afterwards Mike Penning said: “The HSE cannot be allowed to investigate itself in this, or any other matter,” he said “and as it’s the prosecuting authority as well, it could end up prosecuting itself.”

He went on to add:
“If the people of Hemel Hempstead are expected to have any confidence in the findings, the inquiry should be conducted in the open. There should be a public inquiry into the causes and effects of the Buncefield disaster. Not an investigation carried out by one of the parties involved, behind closed doors.”

| Hansard [1]