§ Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to introduce legislation to provide that police officers will be covered by health and safety requirements; [40232]
(2) when he expects the ad hoc working group on health and safety management in the police service to complete its work; [40230]
(3) when he plans to produce his Department's advice in the form of a Home Office circular on health and safety in the police force. [40231]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 14 October 1996]: I have today announced the Government's proposals to amend the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the corresponding Northern Ireland legislation so that it extends to the work of police officers, police cadets and special constables. The ad hoc working group on the management of health and safety in the police service has completed the first phase of its work. We have today issued to police forces in the United Kingdom practical guidance on the application of the health and safety legislation to the duties of police officers. A copy of this guidance has been placed in the Library.