§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will arrange an inquiry into the connection between the inhaling of asbestos fibres and lung cancer.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Employment Medical Advisory Service of the Health and Safety Executive is conducting a long-term study of all workers in the asbestos industry. This study incorporates measures of environmental hygiene. Among the aims of the study is an inquiry into the connection between the inhaling of asbestos and lung cancer.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will amend the asbestos regulations; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Asbestos Regulations and the hygiene standards on which the effectiveness of the regulations depends are under constant review by the Health and Safety Executive, and there are no plans to amend them in the immediate future. The regulations require employers, contractors and self-employed persons to take stringent precautions to prevent all work people being exposed to harmful concentrations of asbestos dust. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes additional obligations on employers to inform their work people about hazards to their health and safety and to train and instruct them on precautions to minimise the risks.