NEWS RELEASE For immediate release
STUC EXPRESSES DISMAY OVER TRANSCO DECISION
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has dismay at the Court of Appeal decision that threw out the charges laid against Transco following the deaths of a family of four in gas explosion in Larkhall.
Commenting on the decision, Ian Tasker, STUC Health and Safety Officer said,
"We have always been led to believe that the Scots Common Law offence of culpable homicide was deemed an appropriate charge in cases of manslaughter and this now is clearly not the case.
Following this decision we will be asking the Scottish Executive to review the current legislation to ensure that appropriate legislation is brought forward to ensure that companies and individuals can be prosecuted for any failing that does result in death of their workers or citizens.
We will also be looking at the full decision of the Court of Appeal that has led to the charges laid against Transco being described as irrelevant."
For Further information contact:
Ian Tasker, STUC Health and Safety Officer: