HC Deb 16 July 1980 vol 988 cc557-8W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what study has been made by his Department of the effect on the health of bakery workers of additives used in baking the standard white loaf; if he is satisfied that none of the additives now in use has a harmful effect on the health of workers in the industry; and if he will make a statement;

(2) further to the information sent to him by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, what consideration his Department has given to the reference in the presidential address of Mr. T. O'Neill, at this year's annual conference of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union, to the harmful effects on the health of bakery workers of the extensive use of chemicals in baking the standard white loaf; if he will sponsor a research project on the subject; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mayhew

The question of possible harmful effects on the health of bakery workers from additives used in baking the standard white loaf has been discussed by the safety in bakeries liaison committee, which includes representatives of the Health and Safety Executive and of management and trade unions in the industry, including the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union. The executive is studying available evidence on the subject prior to its further consideration by the liaison committee.