HC Deb 24 February 1955 vol 537 cc1429-31
29. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Labour how many visits were made by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories to copper refineries in Prescot, Lancashire, for the purpose of inspecting the effects of cadmium fumes on the health of the workers, from 1946, to November 1952, and since the latter date, respectively.

Mr. Watkinson

Detailed records are not available prior to 1949. Between 1949 and 1952, seven visits were made by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories to the copper refinery in Prescot. Between 1953 and the present date, visits have numbered 17.

Mr. Wilson

Is it not a fact that the hon. Member's Department did nothing at all about countering the effects of cadmium poisoning, which has killed quite a number of my constituents, until this matter was raised at the end of 1953?

Mr. Watkinson

No, that is not so at all. We have been watching this matter for a considerable time. I do not accept the right hon. Gentleman's figures about the number of people who have been killed because, as I said last week, we have not had reported to us any deaths from cadmium poisoning.

30. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Labour what machinery exists for ensuring that the deaths through cadmium poisoning of workers employed at copper refineries are reported to his Department; and whether he is satisfied that the machinery results in the notification of all such deaths.

Mr. Watkinson

Any death resulting from acute cadmium poisoning at premises under the Factories Acts would be notifiable as an accident in accordance with those Acts, and satisfactory machinery exists for such notification. The question of ill effects from long-continued exposure to small amounts of cadmium is being carefully studied in the light of the recent report prepared by a member of the staff of the Medical Research Council and other available evidence, both positive and negative.

Mr. Wilson

Is the hon. Member not aware that the reason some of these deaths were not reported to his Department was that this disease is not generally known about in this country? Is he aware that I have obtained no fewer than six death certificates from registrars showing cadmium poisoning to be the cause of death, and that these have not been notified to his Department? Is he further aware—he who denies that these deaths have been taking place because of cadmium poisoning—that a post-mortem which was carried out on the body of a constituent of mine showed that it was heavily filled with cadmium as a result of employment at this factory?

Mr. Watkinson

I should be obliged if the right hon. Gentleman would let me have that evidence. I will undertake that it will be considered when we look into the report.

Mr. Wilson

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that all this evidence was handed to his right hon. and learned Friend in December, 1953, when I asked him to institute the inquiry which is now being held? Is he aware that the very day on which I saw his right hon. and learned Friend, another of my constituents collapsed at work as a result of cadmium poisoning, and died a week later?

Mr. Watkinson

That is not within my immediate knowledge, but the point is that we have now had Dr. Bonnell's report. We have had it for only about a fortnight, but we are giving it most urgent attention, and I hope that we shall be able to make some progress.