HC Deb 08 March 1982 vol 19 cc345-6W
Mr. Parry

asked the Lord Privy Seal which chemicals used in the electronics industry may be used in Hong Kong but have been banned from such use in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to the reply, 24 February 1982, c. 439]: No substances are banned exclusively in the electronics industry in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Carcinogenic Substances Regulations 1967 prohibit generally the use of Betanaphthylamine, 4-Aminodiphenyl, 4-Nitrodiphenyl and Benzidine. No similar prohibition exists in Hong Kong but, as far as is known, such substances are not used in the electronics industry there.

Mr. Parry

asked the Lord Privy Seal what measures are used by the Hong Kong Government to ensure that carcinogenic chemicals are not illegally used in Hong Kong factories; and how many staff are engaged in such work.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to the reply, 24 February' 1982, c. 439]: The Hong Kong Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and subsidiary regulations provide for the control of harmful substances, including carcinogenic chemicals other than radioactive substances. However, it has not been necessary to prescribe any such control so far. 189 staff are engaged in inspection and enforcement duties generally under the ordinance.

Mr. Parry

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any system to monitor workers' health in circumstances where they may be exposed to carcinogenic chemicals exists in Hong Kong; and whether any procedure to investigate related complaints exists.

Mr. Hurd

[pursuant to the reply, 24 February 1982, c. 439]: Any medical practitioner who believes that a person is suffering from any of the notifiable occupational diseases, which include skin cancer, specified in the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases) Regulations must notify the Director of Medical and Health Services. Medical officers of the occupational health division of the Labour Department also carry out medical checks on workers suspected of suffering from any occupational disease. The Radiation (Control of Radioactive Substances) Regulations require record of exposure and regular medical examination of workers using radioactive chemicals. Complaints regarding safety and health at work are fully investigated by the occupational health division or the Factory Inspectorate.