§ 2.42 p.m.
§ Lord CROOKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what action is being taken following the report of Brompton Hospital Research that the present safety limit as to TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) provides no protection to susceptible persons.
Lord WALLACE of COSLANYMy Lords, I understand from the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that, while the current safety limit provides an effective safeguard for the health of nearly all workers, it has always been the practice of the Health and Safety Executive to advice that those persons who are susceptible to TDI by reason of a predisposition to chest ailments and allergies should avoid exposure to this substance by not working with it. When workers become "sensitised" to TDI and subsequently respond adversely to small amounts, then the normal control standards do not provide protection and the only practicable solution is for them to cease working with TDI.
§ Lord CROOKMy Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for that Answer and say how much many of us appreciate the way in which the Executive have gone ahead with their job? We hope that the suggestions that have been made to firms will be taken up.