§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Employment what research has so far been commissioned, by the Health and Safety Executive or otherwise, to assess in terms of financial cost the loss in production and earnings due to accidents, absenteeism, sickness and substandard work performance as the result of alcohol impairment, as recommended 879W by the Working Party of the National Council on Alcoholism.
§ Mr. John Grant:I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the recommendation of the working party was considered by the Commission's Medical Advisory Committee on 27th April 1977 but it was decided that the study of the economic effects on work caused by alcohol impairment was not within the remit of the Health and Safety Executive. The committee is giving continuing thought to the possibility of making a study of the medical effects of alcohol impairment at work.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he has had with workers' and employers' organisations, and others, on the report of the Working Party on Alcoholism at Work, set up by the National Council on Alcoholism and chaired by the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine).
§ Mr. John Grant:I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the report of the working party is under consideration by the Commission's Medical Advisory Committee which includes representatives from both sides of industry.