§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effect on the Health and Safety Executive's guidelines on noise of the proposed European Community directive on noise.
§ Mr. GummerThe Health and Safety Executive has no plans for amending its current guidance on noise, which is based on the code of practice first published in 1972 with the support of both sides of industry, to take account of the proposed European directive. I understand, however, that the executive intends to take steps to ensure a more widespread compliance with existing guidelines, pending discussion in the Council of European Communities on the proposed directive, and on future United Kingdom regulations dealing with this subject.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the bodies with which he has had consultations about noise in the workplace.
§ Mr. GummerWe are being advised on this matter by the Health and Safety Commission, which has been undertaking its own consultations. We have also received representations from a number of hon. Members and from various organisations which are concerned about the European Commission's proposal for a Council directive on this subject.