§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make available figures for the incidence of newly diagnosed cases of byssinosis in each of the last five years; what particular cotton fibres produced the greatest incidence and the most extensive pathology; and what active prophylactic measures have been introduced and made statutory during the past five years.
§ Mr. GummerThe figures for the incidence of newly diagnosed cases of byssinosis are published annually by the Department of Health and Social Security. The figures for the last five years for which statistics are available were:
Number 1978 *79 1979 *76 1980 150 1981 108 1982 133 * The criteria for assessment were different in these years. The majority of cases occur amongst employees working with raw cotton, but in spite of extensive research the precise causation and pathology of the disease are not yet fully understood.
During the past five years, there have been major efforts made by the industry, trades unions and the cotton national industry group of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate to investigate and to improve, as necessary, the standard of dust control. The statutory basis for such controls is the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the Factories Act 1961.
The Health and Safety Commission's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances will shortly be reporting to the Commission on the outcome of a review of occupational exposure to cotton dust, and are expected to recommend measures for improved controls. In addition, 40W the Commission will publish a consultative document in the near future on proposals to improve the workplace control of all substances, such as cotton dust, which may be hazardous to health.