HL Deb 23 October 1968 vol 296 cc1469-71
LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what number of men working in the engineering industry have been reported as suffering from cancer of the scrotum during the last five years, what number have died of this disease during the same period, and what steps are being taken towards its prevention.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)

My Lords, during the years 1963 to 1967, inclusive, 38 cases of cancer of the scrotum were notified among men in the engineering industry. In the same period 31 deaths from scrotal cancer have been identified where there is presumptive evidence of occupational exposure to oil in engineering work. The steps that should be taken to prevent occurrence of this disease are described in a special chapter in the Chief Inspector's Annual Report for 1967. These include substitution, where practicable, of safer oils or a modification of process to avoid contamination of the skin; the provision of suitable protective clothing and good washing facilities; medical supervision, and the education of the worker to recognise the hazard, to take precautions against contamination of his skin with oil and to seek prompt medical attention where necessary.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his not particularly encouraging reply. Is he not aware that this is an almost entirely preventable disease, a disease which, if treated promptly and efficiently, should have practically no mortality? The points which he has mentioned were brought forward in a report by Dr. Henry, of the Factory Inspectorate Department of the Home Office, in 1946. Can the noble Lord say when we can expect some sort of progress from what Dr. Henry said in 1946?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I am aware of the point the noble Lord has drawn to my attention. If the steps which are indicated in the Answer are taken the problem will be kept in check and diminished. After all, the number of people at risk is believed to be of the order of 300,000, so if you relate the figure which I have quoted in the main Answer to this figure of 300,000 as risk it brings the matter into proportion.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord once again for his reply. Does he not think that the fact that a certain number of people—though it may not be very many—die unnecessarly is something about which one should not be too complacent, particularly when the answer was really given in 1946 in the Report which I have in my hand?

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether this condition is scheduled as an industrial disease?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I am afraid I do not know the answer to that question.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, can the noble Lord say who is responsible for taking these protective steps, and what action is being taken to see that they know they have this responsibility?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, most, if not all, of this action is a responsibility placed on the employer, and the responsibility for bringing it to his notice and seeing that so far as possible it is carried out—because there are no compulsory powers in this matter—is a matter for the factory inspector.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he will use his good offices to see that this condition is scheduled as an industrial disease in order that at least the dependants of these men should have some protection?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I will certainly undertake to convey to my right honourable friend the representation which my noble friend has made.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

My Lords, will my noble friend extend his inquiries to see whether this same trouble affects the engine room staff of merchant shipping?

LORD HUGHES

Yes, my Lords.

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