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The Committee noted the Government’s report, the information provided in reply to its previous comments and the attached documents. It also noted the Act of 24 March 2000 on federal personnel, the provisions of which shed useful light on the status and conditions of service of officials, including labour inspectors.

Child labour. The Committee notes with interest that, following the ratification of ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182, the Government has amended texts for the implementation of the Labour Act by drafting a new ordinance specifically concerning the protection of young people at work, which is due to enter into force in 2002, and that labour inspectors will receive appropriate training once this ordinance has entered into force. The Committee hopes that information on inspection activities with respect to child labour in industrial and commercial premises will be communicated in the next annual reports published under Articles 20 and 21.

Project for the reorganization of the labour inspection system. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the project for the reorganization of the labour inspection system is subject to the prior determination, currently under consideration, of the status of the Swiss National Occupational Accident Fund. It notes, however, the report drafted in November 2000 by the working group of the Labour Directorate of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Seco) and the Inter-Cantonal Association for the Protection of Workers aimed at improving organization and cooperation between the Confederation, which has the supreme supervisory function, and the cantons responsible for executive tasks with respect to worker protection. Having indicated that this report is currently before the cantons for consultation, the Government is asked to communicate information on the outcome of these consultations and on any measure taken consequently regarding the application of the provisions of the Convention.