§ 100. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will give the number of deaths caused by scrotal cancer over each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the measures she intends to take to eliminate this industrial disease.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe total number of deaths from occupational scrotal cancer reported to H.M. Factory Inspectorate over the latest five-year period for which figures are available is:
1963 … … … … 4 1964 … … … … 3 1965 … … … … 3 1966 … … … … 1 1967 … … … … - The risk of occupational scrotal cancer arises from exposure to pitch and tar and mineral oil. The risk from pitch and tar is controlled in certain industries by the precautions required by the Patent Fuel Manufacture (Health and Welfare) Special Regulations and similar precautions are observed in other industries not subject to the Regulations.
The risk from exposure to mineral oil in the cotton industry has been controlled by the Mule Spinning Special Regulations 1953; the process of mule spinning has in any case been largely superseded. The problems arising from the widespread use of mineral oils in engineering and the precautions to be taken are fully discussed in the Annual Report of H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories for 1967 and under separate cover I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The precautions include substitution where practicable of safer oils or a modification of process to avoid contamination of the skin; good washing facilities and the provision of protective clothing and medical supervision. Most important of all however is to educate the worker to recognise the hazard and the importance of personal hygiene; and to seek prompt medical attention where necessary. Factory inspectors have been instructed to encourage employers and employees to take the appropriate precautions.