§ 13. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the House the results of his investigations into the incidence of cancer among men who have been employed at the Mond nickel works; and whether he is now in a position to recommend precautionary measures for the protection of the men engaged in the processes where previous cases have occurred?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I am advised that the 1951 investigations made earlier in the year, which included a special inquiry by a pathologist, did not establish that the cases of cancer among these men were of industrial origin; and no substance known to give rise to cancer appeared to be in use at the works. It was proposed that the next step should be an expert examination of a number of the employés, but it was found necessary to postpone this owing to the closing of the works four months ago. I understand that work may be re-started shortly and that it is intended to commence these examinations as soon as practicable, and if the results should indicate that any particular precautions would be of value, the question of putting them into operation would be immediately followed up.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWould the Home Secretary not consider the advisability of setting up a Departmental Committee of a similar kind to that which reported last year upon mule spinners' cancer, in view of the evidence already in possession of the local people?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI think that by far the best way is that the examination which has been promised should be undertaken by experts who are more likely to get practical results than any committee.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs the Minister not prepared to give some consideration to the local demand and to do something to allay the suspicion that information is being deliberately withheld?
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs not information obtainable from nickel works in other countries through the International Labour Office?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not think that there is anything by which we can directly associate this disease with the processes concerned so far as our present knowledge goes. The examinations which are going to be undertaken may help us to come to some conclusion.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs it not known that cancer is more or less connected with mineral oils such as are used in this process and is it not important that that should be considered?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll I can say is that those concerned, both in the firm 1952 and in my office, are taking every opportunity to study this problem, and the medical officer connected with the firm has gone through a special course quite recently to bring himself up to date with the latest information on this subject.