HC Deb 19 December 1997 vol 303 cc346-7W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many visual display unit users have exercised their legal right to have their eye tests paid by their employer since 1993. [20479]

Angela Eagle

Exact information on eye tests under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 is not available, as there is no requirement for employers to report the number of tests provided. However, a survey commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive estimated that by mid-1995, nearly a million users had received eye tests provided by their employer since the Regulations were introduced in January 1993.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that employers are meeting their legal obligations under the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 on eye tests for employees. [20459]

Angela Eagle

The Health and Safety Executive is revising its guidance booklet "Working with VDUs" for publication early next year, which will help make both employers and their workforce more aware that employers have a duty to provide display screen users with eye tests on request. HSE and local authority inspectors will continue to advise employers how to comply with all aspects of the Regulations.