§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what response has been made by Her Majesty's Government to the European Commission proposal for a Council directive amending directive 83/477/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (COM(90)184 final); and when he expects the new directive to be implemented.
§ Mr. ForthThe Government fully welcome the Commission's proposals to strengthen the provisions of the 1983 directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work, and have actively supported the proposals during examination in the Council's social questions 'working group. It is expected that the draft directive will be considered at the Social Affairs Council on 26 November. It is likely that member states will need to implement the amending directive by 31 December 1992.