HC Deb 15 November 1977 vol 939 cc186-7W
Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements were made with the chemical industry in 1957 by Her Majesty's Senior Inspector of Factories for the maintenance of records of workers previously exposed to carcinogenic aromatic amines in the dyestuffs industry; and what percentage of those workers employed prior to 1952 in the manfacture of cotton dyes derived from benzidine subsequently developed bladder cancer or tumours up to the most recent date.

Mr. John Grant

In 1957 arrangements were made for Her Majesty's Senior Medical Inspector of Factories to maintain appropriate records of people employed in the manufacture of certain compounds used primarily in the dyestuffs industry, following research undertaken by the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers. Although maintained for a number of years, these records were not analysed since the carcinogenicity of certain aromatic amines, such as benzidine, had been established; manufacture of the compounds had largely ceased voluntarily and the later introduction of regulations further controlled the manufacture and use of carcinogens; warnings were issued to employees who might have been exposed; and the quality of the records was questionable.

The information requested in the second part of the Question is not available.