§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State Social Services what is the incidence
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Mesothelioma Of pleura 99 105 116 103 124 136 141 166 193 204 Of peritoneum 14 15 11 12 19 25 20 19 30 22 Of pleura and peritoneum 3 3 2 4 — 3 3 4 4 6 Site not specified 38 36 65 57 66 53 66 75 81 96 Total 154 159 194 176 209 217 230 264 308 328 Source: Health and Safety Executive; Mesothelioma Register
Notes:
1 The figures include cases where mesothelioma was mentioned either as one of the causes involved in the train of circumstances leading directly to death (Part I of death certificate) or as a condition contributing to the death but not related to the disease which caused it (Part II of death certificate)
2 Deaths are counted by year of death not year of registration
An analysis of these deaths in terms off the industries in which the deceased persons worked is not available, but there is a known relationship between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos. Preventive measures have consequently concentrated on controlling exposure to asbestos. The Asbestos Regulations 1969 introduced stringent control limits, and since 1970 blue asbestos has not been used in the manufacture of asbestos products in this country. In addition, recent recommendations made by the advisory committee on asbestos are intended to further reduce the risk to health arising from exposure to asbestos. Comments received on the committee's final report are being considered so that the Government can decide on appropriate action. The Council of Ministers and Commission of the European Community are also considering proposals to reduce the risks relating to exposure to asbestos.