HC Deb 25 February 1980 vol 979 cc409-10W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ask the Health and Safety Commission to conduct an inquiry into the use of cadmium in industrial processes.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that a considerable amount of information is already available on the use of cadmium in industry, that all places of work where cadmium is produced and used are subject to regular inspection by the Health and Safety Executive, and that in recent years special attention has been paid to ensuring that cadmium fume and dusts are being adequately controlled. The executive has published guidance on the precautions needed to safeguard people from occupational exposure to cadmium and a revision of this guidance is currently being prepared. I have no plans at present to request a special inquiry.