§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about establishing a code of practice to safeguard workers exposed to vinyl chloride.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerPrecautions against health risks from vinyl chloride have been discussed in a working group, chaired by the Chief Inspector of Factories, which includes representatives from the TUC, the CBI and the Chemical Industries' Association. At its first meeting on 14th June 1974 the working group 19W set up two sub-groups, one medical and the other environmental, charged with the preparation of a draft for a code of practice. Very good progress has been made. The draft on environmental control, including monitoring, is sufficiently advanced to be placed before a meeting of the working group due to take place on 18th November. The draft for medical supervision is taking somewhat longer to prepare, but some guidance should be available for early publication in the code.
I am grateful to representatives from both sides of industry for co-operating with my officials in the preparation of this code.