HL Deb 16 February 1972 vol 328 cc296-7WA
LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the smelting plant at Avonmouth complies with the Lead Smelting Regulations of 1911;

Whether the Lead Smelting Regulations of 1911 are sufficient to protect workers in the conditions of 1972.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Employment announced in the House of Commons on February 3, 1972, that the situation at Avonmouth was such that it warranted a special Inquiry, which he has now set up. He also stated that the Report of the Inquiry would be published, and I would ask the noble Lord to await the outcome of the Report.

LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many workers at the smelting plant at Avonmouth have dangerous amounts of lead in their blood; and how many know they have.

LORD DRUMALBYN

The levels of lead in the blood of these workers are still being checked. Meanwhile, every worker who is found to have a level above 80 micrograms of lead per 100 millilitres of whole blood—which is not necessarily dangerous, but which indicates a need for closer medical supervision—is being informed. These matters will, of course, be of concern to the Inquiry into the situation at Avonmouth which has been set up by my right honourable friend.