§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures are in place in England and Wales to protect children from back injuries sustained through carrying excessively heavy schoolbags to, in and from school; and if he will make a statement. [148812]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisMy Department advises local education authorities and schools in England to provide storage facilities and to plan timetables so that pupils need not carry excessively heavy bags to, in or from school. It is for local authorities and schools to assess and manage the health and safety risks of handling heavy loads.