§ Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the working party on the manual handling of loads established by the Health and Safety Commission is expected to report; and if he will publish the three reports so far circulated by the working party.
§ Mr. Waddington:The working party on manual handling has not yet prepared or circulated any reports but expects to complete its work shortly and to report to the Health and Safety Commission before the end of the year.
Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Employment why the Health and Safety Commission has decided not to go ahead with the proposal to recommend regulations on manual handling of loads; what consultations have been held on the matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Waddington:No decision has yet been taken not to introduce regulations on the manual handling of loads. The Health and Safety Commission has deferred consideration of this question until it has received the report of its working party on manual handling, which is expected shortly. If the Commission then concludes that regulations are necessary, these will be the subject of consultation in the normal way.