§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects the Health and Safety Commission to publish the consultative document on manual handling; what period will be allowed for consultation; and when he envisages the regulations will be laid before Parliament.
§ Mr. ForthThe Health and Safety Commission's consultative document on the manual handling of loads was published on 7 November; a copy has been placed in the Library. The Commission has invited interested parties to comment on the proposals set out in that consultative document by 9 March next—that is, within four months. The European Community directive on manual handling requires member states to implement it by 31 December 1992; it is my intention that regulations will be made and brought into effect in time to meet that deadline.