HC Deb 24 May 1982 vol 24 cc226-7W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what facilities are available in Great Britain for the investigation of the effects of chemicals on the foetuses of female workers who come into contact with them through their work.

Mr. Waddington

The Health and Safety Executive's employment medical advisory service is responsible for investigating cases in which any occupational agents—including chemical agents—are suspected of causing harm to the unborn foetuses of female workers. Where such investigation involved examination of, or tests on, the foetus itself, EMAS would rely on the specialist facilities available in hospitals, university medical departments and research units and would liaise closely with such bodies. In addition, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of any substance for use at work, together with employers who use such substances, have a general duty, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, to ensure that the substance is safe and without risks to health when properly used. In pursuance of this duty a variety of research facilities are used by the employers, manufacturers and so on concerned.