"EU sun directive is absurd!" says Norman Lamb

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Sep 2005

Commenting on the passage of a law that would make employers responsible for workers' exposure to sunlight, Norman Lamb said, "The proposed EU directive to force outdoor workers to cover themselves up is absurd. Obviously important health advice needs to reach people working outdoors but this type of prescriptive rule is way over the top."

Mr Lamb added, "I congratulate Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne on her success in amending the directive so member states can choose whether or not to implement it. But, overall, this type of law remains fundamentally illiberal, intrusive and makes a farce of the EU."