§ 20. Mr CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he last met the Health and Safety Commission when the subject of manual handling was discussed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthNo discussions have been held with the Health and Safety Commission on this subject in recent years. However, I am aware that the Commission is developing proposals for regulations to implement a European directive on the minimum health and safety requirements for the manual handling of loads where there is a risk, particularly of back injury to workers. The directive must be implemented by 31 December 1992 and I understand that the Commission is planning to issue a consultative document containing its proposals for regulations and associated guidance later this year.