§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what recent research he has funded into industrial and occupational health problems; and what guidance he has offered to employers as a result.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 30 April 1991]: The Health and Safety Executive, HSE, funds both intramural and extramural research projects into industrial and occupational health problems.
There are 87 occupational health projects presently contracted at universities, research institutes and Medical Research Council, M RC units. HSE's occupational medicine and hygiene laboratory also has a significant programme in this area.
361WIn addition to this research, investigations are mounted by doctors in HSE's employment medical advisory service, EMAS and epidemiological studies are conducted by HSE's epidemiology and medical statistics unit.
The production of guidance notes for both employers and employees relies upon the results from these intramural and extramural research projects, EMAS investigations and epidemiological studies.
Full details of HSE's current research are listed in its 1991–92 "Procramme of research and related services". A copy is available from the House of Commons Library.