§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases have been reported to his Department within the last three years of surgeons in the National Health Service suffering from skin irritation conditions of the hands in consequence of wearing surgical rubber gloves.
§ Mr. AlisonDuring the last three years there have been reports to my Department of 10 surgeons and 12 other medical and nursing staff suspected of suffering from skin irritation conditions of the hands from the wearing of surgical rubber gloves. At the present time the annual usage by the National Health Service of surgical rubber gloves supplied under central contracts is approximately 18½ million pairs.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is now being conducted by his Department into the manufacture of surgical rubber gloves which do not carry the risk of skin irritation for the wearers.
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§ Mr. AlisonNone, but my Department is in close touch with the research conducted by manufacturers.