§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish immediately the recent research report into back pain amongst nurses; when the research was commissioned; when the report was distributed; who is assessing the research; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe research was commissioned by our Department from Surrey university in March 1981. A report was received in August 1984 on which the views of independent assessors were sought. These are currently being assessed within the Department. The report is lengthy and makes several wide-ranging recommendations which need to be carefully considered before we can decide whether and, if so, what further useful guidance should be given to health authorities.
I share the right hon. Member's wish to reduce the incidence of back injury and pain amongst National Health Service staff. I shall let him have a fuller reply when we have completed our consideration of the report.