§ 56. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange for the Inspector of Factories to conduct an investigation into asbestos disease, covering not only workers in asbestos factories but also people engaged in the washing of the clothing of such workers, dockworkers handling asbestos loads, and other people in contact with asbestos.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe work needed to provide me with a basis for future action to deal with risks from asbestos is already in hand.
§ Mrs. ButlerIn view of the number of deaths of relatives of asbestos workers and dockers and the contraction of asbestos disease by people living within half a mile of asbestos factories, in addition to the risk involved from the dumping of asbestos waste, will my hon. Friend ensure that the revised regulations take into account all these known and suspected asbestos risks and are not limited to asbestos factory workers?
§ Mr. FernyhoughAs my hon. Friend is aware, my responsibilities under the Factories Act relate to persons employed, although other persons will benefit indirectly from the increased protection which will be provided by the revised regulations.
§ Dame Joan VickersDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that this is a very serious problem indeed? Will he see to it that adequate protection is provided, at least for those who work with or near this commodity, particularly in Her Majesty's Dockyards, where a great many people suffer from the effects of asbestos disease?
§ Mr. FernyhoughMy right hon. Friend is very well aware of the seriousness of this problem, and that is why the Advisory Committee is now carrying out its investigations.