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The Committee notes the Government's report and the information provided in reply to its previous comments. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Articles 6 and 7 of the Convention. The Committee notes that labour inspectors are hired on the basis of a university qualification, chiefly in the scientific disciplines, and that after recruitment they follow intensive training. It also notes that there is an encouraging reduction in the number of fatal accidents in the construction industry thanks in particular to the employment on special contract of so-called assistant inspectors. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the content of the post-recruitment training given to labour inspectors having the status of public employees as well as the qualifications and exact role of the assistant inspectors.

Articles 12 and 16. The Committee notes with interest the information concerning the frequency of inspections at places covered by the law as well as the adoption of a standard for health and safety management based on the British and New Zealand standards cited by the Government from which it appears that there is a transfer to internal inspection by firms to ensure that the legal provisions are being applied in their establishments. Noting that in 1998 the number of inspections decreased considerably in the construction industry and drastically in ports, whereas the nature of activities performed there implies numerous and frequent risks to health and safety, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply further information on the content and scope of the new measures based on the British and New Zealand standards regarding inspection activities carried out by labour inspectors in accordance with the provisions of Article 12.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee has noted the statistical data on the activities of the labour inspectorate for 1997, 1998 and to mid-1999. This information does not, however, enable it to appreciate the volume of inspection activities in comparison with the number of establishments covered. It reminds the Government that statistical data on each of the subjects listed under Article 21(b) to (g) must be given in an annual report on the activities of the labour inspectorate, in accordance with the publication and communication provisions, to the ILO set out in Article 20. The Government is therefore requested to carry out the necessary measures for preparation and publication, by the competent central authority and within the time limits laid down, of annual inspection reports and to communicate copies regularly to the ILO.