§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has received expressing concern at the possible link between aromatic benzidine-based dyes and bladder cancer and the use of such dyes in the textile industry; and if he will name the organisations.
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§ Mr. WaddingtonDuring the life of the present Parliament my predecessor and I have answered seven questions in this House relating to the concern at the possible link between aromatic benzidine-based dyes and bladder cancer and the use of such dyes in the textile industry.
The questions were tabled by the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor), the hon. and learned Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Lyons), the hon. Member for Brent, South (Mr. Pavitt), the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, East (Mr. Hogg), and the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short). In addition, on 19 January 1981, the hon. Member for Eton and Slough raised this matter on the adjournment, and I replied.
During the lifetime of the present Parliament, this Department has not received any direct representations from any outside organisations. The chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me, however, that during the same period three representations on this topic have been received by the Health and Safety Executive from the Trades Union Congress, the National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers and the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs.