HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 cc12-3
27. Mrs. McKay

asked the Minister of Labour if he proposes that Her Majesty's Government should accept the principle of Government responsibility for the provision of an occupational hygiene service.

Mr. Gunter

The Government already have a responsibility in this matter; and H.M. Factory Inspectorate do in fact undertake industrial hygiene work. As I told the right hon. Member for Bridlington (Mr. Wood) on 29th November, I am, in conjunction with my Industrial Health Advisory Committee, reviewing policy on the provision of industrial hygiene services. The nature and extent of the Government's contribution in the future must be determined in the light of the results of the current survey to establish the size of the need for such services. These results are expected in the spring.

Mrs. McKay

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but would he not agree that the 20 million working days lost annually through industrial ill-health warrant a greater degree of urgency? In the national interest, will he recommend the expansion of the Factory Inspectorate in order to provide a full occupational hygiene service for industry?

Mr. Gunter

I understand the nature of the problem in which my hon. Friend is very interested, but I would still ask her to await the survey results which we expect in the spring, before coming to any conclusions.

Mr. John Page

Has the Minister any more news from the City of London health authorities, who are trying to arrange an occupational health service for people working in the City? It was to have started about two years ago. Does the Minister know whether it has come to a grinding halt, or has he any news on the subject?

Mr. Gunter

I have no information, but I will certainly look into the matter.