§ Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to institute periodic checks of coal miners with regard to hearing; and if he will consider instituting biannual hearing tests in the mining industry.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Health and Safety Executive is considering, in the light of the wide range of comments received on its discussion document "Audiometry in Industry" what action should be taken on the question of periodic checks of the hearing ability of workers generally.
§ Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans there are in the mining industry to enforce the code of practice that recommends an upper limit of 90dB(A) for eight hours per day, or an equivalent exposure, for workers not wearing ear protection.
§ Mr. MayhewI refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 July 1979–[Vol. 969 c.727.] As I explained then, when enforcing the requirements of section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Her Majesty's inspectors of mines and quarries have regard to the guidance given in the code of practice for reducing the exposure of employed persons to noise.