HC Deb 22 February 1979 vol 963 cc283-5W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in investigating cadmium levels in the human body arising from industrial or environmental pollution, he will use the neutron actuator technique developed by the department of astrophysics at Birmingham university as the most effective, speedy and scientifically reliable method of assessment.

Mr. Moyle

I am advised that this technique has been established in a number of fields of investigation, although it it not yet in routine use. Its use in measuring environmental cadmium levels in organs of the body is not yet, however, fully validated and established, and I am advised that any results from the use of the technique for that purpose should be treated with caution. In any case, they should be interpreted in conjunction with and not in isolation from the results of conventional tests of blood and urine levels.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with present procedures for assessing and compensating industrial illness arising from exposure to cadmium; and whether he has any proposals for change or has received any representations for such action.

Mr. Orme

The cover provided by the industrial injuries benefit scheme in respect of poisoning by cadmium is wide, embracing any occupation involving exposure to cadmium fumes. Diagnosis and assessment of the disease is the responsibility of the pneumoconiosis medical boards, in the first instance. These provisions appear to work quite satisfactorily and I have received no representations for change.

My right hon. Friend has asked the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to review the schedule of prescribed industrial diseases, in which poisoning by cadmium is prescribed disease number 40. The Council has advertised for evidence in connection with its review, in the light of which it will no doubt make recommendations. Careful consideration will be given to any changes which the Council may recommend, including changes to PD No. 40.

I am arranging for the secretary of the Council to write to my hon. Friend about the review, and I shall be pleased to look into any particular case that he may have in mind.