I have read the draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill and would like to make the following observations:

—  This bill is so weak I suspect it will be very rarely used in practice.

—  A fine for corporate manslaughter on indictment is ridiculous. A charge of manslaughter when used against a citizen could result on conviction to a period of imprisonment.

—  The CEO of a corporation should be held as the responsible officer when an employee dies as a result of any gross breach of a relevant duty of care.

  Any senior manager should receive a community sentence for any breach.

8 June 2005