§ 27. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour what periodic examinations are made of men engaged in handling asbestos fibre; how many of them are suffering from abestosis and lung cancer; and what steps are being taken to reduce the danger of these diseases.
§ Mr. WatkinsonPersons employed in those processes in the asbestos industry with the greatest health risks are subject to compulsory periodic examination by182W members of the Pneumoconiosis Medical Panels established under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946. Out of 702 men examined in this way during 1953, two were found to be suffering from pneumoconiosis which would include asbestosis. No information about lung cancer is available from these examinations. With regard to the third part, the Asbestos Industry Regulations made under the Factories Acts, which contain stringent provisions for the protection of workers against inhalation of asbestos dust are strictly enforced by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Factories.