§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the health hazards to professional anaesthetists and their families and other occupational groups working in hospital operating theatres in the North-West; and if, in the light of recent American research on the matter, he will promote an investigation.
§ Mr. MoyleI have no information which suggests that health hazards to anaesthetists and others in the North-West from the pollution of operating theatres by waste anaesthetic gases differ from those elsewhere. I am, however, aware from published studies that there is a potential health hazard to those working over prolonged periods in operating theatres, which is why guidance has been issued by my Department to health authorities on the reduction of pollution levels and on the issue of advice to staff. A large scale epidemiological study into these potential health hazards has been set up by the Medical Research Council and is still in progress.