HC Deb 26 July 1972 vol 841 cc345-6W
Mr. McLaren

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now make a statement about the inquiry into cases of lead poisoning at the Rio Tinto Zinc smelter at Avonmouth.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The report is being published today and I am grateful to Sir Brian Windeyer and his colleagues for their thorough work on this difficult and complex subject.

The Committee recommends a number of important steps to be taken by Rio Tinto Zinc and I have now drawn the firm's attention to the report. I have asked for its observations and I shall take account of them in the light of further experience at the plant.

I have been considering what lessons can be learned from this inquiry for improved protection in the lead industry as a whole and my officials are getting in touch with both sides of the industry, with a view to working out an agreed line of action.

The committee draws attention to a number of specific longer-term problems particularly in relation to research, and on these I propose to consult my Indus- trial Health Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the CBI and TUC, as well as professional experts.