HC Deb 16 July 1965 vol 716 cc126-7W
Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what action has been taken by his Department within the city of Stoke-on-Trent since Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories attending the meeting, held in the city in December, 1961, to consider mineral dust in industry;

(2) what progress has been made since 1961 in the North Staffordshire area in the pottery industry in health and safety;

(3) what progress has been made in the elimination of industrial hazards since the official discussions led by Dr. A. T. Doig in Stoke-on-Trent in 1961, with special reference to foundries and the pottery industry.

Mr. Thornton

An important development since 1961 was the publication in 1963 of the first report of my right hon. Friend's Joint Standing Committee for the Pottery Industry, containing valuable recommendations on the adoption of measures of dust control and protection. These recommendations are addressed primarily to the industry, and action to further them has already been taken by the Joint Standing Committee and by H.M. Factory Inspectorate. I am sure that if these standards are generally adopted, there will be a considerable reduction in the dust hazard in this industry. Since 1961, more frequent inspections of potteries have been instituted. In the foundry industry, a comprehensive survey into the incidence of respiratory disease has been carried out by H.M. Medical Inspectors of Factories. The results have yet to be processed and evaluated, but they will undoubtedly be of great value.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what progress has been made in the methods of dust measurement and ways of controlling dust emission since 1961 in the pottery industry, and in iron foundries and steel foundries;

(2) if Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that all possible steps are now taken in industry to avoid danger from dust; and if he will make a statement on what further action is to be taken.

Mr. Thornton

There have been valuable technical developments since 1961 in the application of improved methods of dust estimation and control in potteries and foundries, as in other dusty industries. This work continues. A dust research project is at present being carried out jointly by three industrial research associations, with the aid of a grant from Government funds. Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate is constantly engaged in experimental work in dust measurement and is now making use of new and better techniques, which industry is also being encouraged to adopt. Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate has also encouraged improved methods of dust control by industry and the better application of existing methods. I am satisfied that valuable progress has been made in recent years, but much remains to be done in the further improvement in techniques and in raising general standards to the level of the best.