HC Deb 06 May 1952 vol 500 cc166-7
12. Mr. H. Boardman

asked the Minister of Labour what advice he has had from his experts as to how far workers on processes involving the production or use of A-naphthylamine or B-nap, are thereby exposed to the risk of cancer; and what protective measures are the factory inspectorate demanding to minimise this risk.

Sir W. Monckton

There is reason to believe that the manufacture of these two substances is associated with the occurrence of cancer of the bladder among the workers concerned. This disease occurs also among both sexes of the general population which has no contact with these substances; and, although special research has been in progress for several years, the extent of the risk attributable to the industrial use and manufacture of the substances is not fully established.

The precautions recommended depend upon the method of manufacture and the circumstances of use of the substances.

Mr. Boardman

In view of the wide publicity now being given to a certain case, would the Minister give a specific assurance that workers with these chemicals will not be exposed unnecessarily to the risk of cancer merely because of the high cost of protective measures?

Sir W. Monckton

I think it better that I should not say too much about the case which is now being tried because at one stage I took the part in it which the right hon. and learned Gentleman the ex-President of the Board of Trade appears to be taking now. This is a matter in which the Senior Medical Inspector of Factories is personally concerned both in research and in observing that all care is taken, and he is satisfying himself on that matter.