Divisions over the merits of corporate killing legislation were re-ignited following the inclusion of a draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill in the Queen's Speech last week.

The Bill will make companies criminally responsible for deaths attributable to a corporation's negligence or direct actions, although liability will not be attached to individual directors.


Des Collins, senior partner of Watford-based Collins Solicitors, who advised victims following the Paddington and Southall train crashes, said: 'It will have a deterrent effect and is a step in the right direction. It must be wrong that when people are killed and there really is gross negligence, the only means available to prosecute is through health and safety legislation.'


But Davies Arnold Cooper health and safety specialist Fiona Gill warned that there is a danger that the proposed reforms will lead to 'a culture which seeks to apportion blame and to hide mistakes', rather than improve safety.


Ms Gill added: 'Regulators already have sufficient powers under the existing health and safety law to prosecute companies and individuals.'


The Law Society welcomed the Bill as a clarification of the law, but is disappointed that the legislation will not include Crown liability.