§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will include in his Department's proposals for protective noise legislation a requirement that all new equipment meet an 80 decibel level.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe Health and Safety Commission is preparing proposals for regulations and a supporting code of practice about the protection of hearing at work. To this end it has recently published a consultative document "Protection of Hearing at Work" outlining such proposals together with a background document 'Some aspects of noise and hearing loss' and has invited comments by 30 April 1982. I have asked the chairman of the commission to ensure that the point raised by the hon. Member is taken into account.