HC Deb 16 November 1981 vol 13 cc38-9W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the measures at present taken to protect workers from brain and neurological disorders as a result of exposure to highly volatile solvents.

Mr. Waddington

Yes. It is the policy of the Health and Safety Commission that exposure to all toxic substances, including highly volatile solvents, should be kept as low as is reasonably practicable and in all cases within published standards. The Commission is advised on methods of controlling health hazards to persons at work by its advisory committee on toxic substances, which includes representatives of the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress, and standards are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive's inspectorates. In addition, the Executive assesses all available evidence concerning the health effects of exposure to such substances as it becomes available.