HC Deb 24 June 1980 vol 987 cc219-20
5. Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will initiate a study into the alleged cancer risk in the use of dyes containing benzidine; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secrtary of State for Employment (Mr. Patrick Mayhew)

The Health and Safety Executive has no plans to initiate a study into the alleged cancer risk in the use of dyes containing benzidine as further epidemiological studies would be unlikely to add to current knowledge obtained from studies already undertaken in this country and elsewhere.

Miss Lestor

Is the Minister aware that since early decisions were made about benzidine, the Cancer Prevention Research Trust, the textile industry and the National Insurance Commissioners have accepted the evidence of Professor Case which suggests a strong link between cancer and the use of such chemicals? Is it not therefore advisable, in order to allay the fears of the large numbers of people in industry using the dyes, at least to initiate an inquiry into the available evidence?

Mr. Mayhew

The Health and Safety Executive recognises that there appears to be a link between the development of cancer and the use of benzidine dyes. It is working on guidance for the control of dyes containing benzidine. That guidance note will be published in due course.

Mr. Edward Lyons

Is the Minister aware that benzidine is the basis of dyestuffs imported into the United Kingdom? Will he ask the Secretary of State for Trade to ban the import of benzidine-based dyestuffs, as an interim measure?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir, for the reasons that I have given. The hon. and learned Gentleman will know that the manufacture and use of benzidine are prohibited in Britain under the 1967 regulations.

Mr. Pavitt

What study has the Department made of the epidemiological studies and other information available from the Medical Research Council?

Mr. Mayhew

The Health and Safety Executive is well aware of studies undertaken in the United States, for example, with which the hon. Gentleman will be familiar. The Institute of Occupational Health and in a paper published in March, the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs, do not take the view that a further study will add to the body of knowledge already available.