§ Mr. McLarenasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a further statement on lead pollution at the works of the Imperial Smelting Corporation, Avonmouth.
§ Mr. R. CarrI have now received from the Chief Inspector of Factories the report which I requested and to which I referred in my answer of 1st February—[Vol. 830, c. 95–6]. Let me say at once that I am satisfied that, from the opening of this plant, the Inspectorate made great efforts to solve the difficult problems which soon became apparent.
Whilst there can be no doubt that the Imperial Smelting plant represents an important breakthrough in the technology of lead and zinc production, its development has undoubtedly been accompanied by events which have given rise to anxiety for the health of the employees. I append to this answer figures for reported cases of lead poisoning and suspensions reported under the Lead Processes (Medical Examination) Regulations, 1964. I am glad to say that, according to the medical advice I have received, none of the people affected suffered any serious or lasting illness.
This incident is a particular example illustrating a general area of problems arising in modern industrial conditions. There are problems of co-ordination between the various authorities with responsibility in this field. There are also general questions not confined to this particular area in which the technology of protection is perhaps lagging behind the technology of production. There is the problem of how the law can be kept up to date with rapid technological changes.
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NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE BEXLEY EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE WHICH INCLUDES WELLING, AND IN THE ERITH AND WOOLWICH EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE AREAS Bexley Erith Woolwich 8th June, 1970 … 502 485 1,669 7th December, 1970 … 548 789 1,500 14th June, 1971 … 588 686 1,652 10th January, 1972 … 740 698 2,162 These are all issues which are already being considered by the Committee on Safety and Health under the chairmanship of Lord Robens. I expect that this Committee will report by the middle of this year.
Nevertheless, I feel that the situation at the Avonmouth smelter is such that it warrants a special inquiry. That inquiry should, however, be so constituted that its work can be linked with that of the Robens Committee, whose report will deal with these problems as a whole. I shall announce as soon as possible the terms of reference and membership of this inquiry. I shall be placing before it the full text of the report I have received from the Chief Inspector of Factories, and I am pleased to say that the Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation has indicated its willingness to co-operate to the full.
I shall publish the report of the inquiry as soon as possible.
Following is the information:
IMPERIAL SMELTING CORPORATION LTD. AVONMOUTH Reportable Cases of Lead Poisoning recorded in the District Register 1968 2 1969 25 1970 2 1971 11
Suspensions reported under the Lead Processes (Medical Examinations) Regulations, 1964 1969 42 1970 17 1971 40