§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of electron microscopes employed (a) in the United Kingdom, (b) in France, (c) in Germany, and (d) in Holland for purposes of assessing the presence of asbestos fibres in lung tissue of workers whose cases come before pneumoconiosis panels; what action he is taking to obtain electron microscopes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiNo electron microscope is employed in the United Kingdom for the purpose of assessing the presence of asbestos fibres in the lungs of people examined by pneumoconiosis boards. If, however, a board thinks that such an examination would be helpful in a particular case, a microscope is available. I am advised that this facility fully meets present and foreseeable needs and that, accordingly, additional microscopes are not needed. I regret that I have no information as to the position in France, Germany and Holland.