§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the research studies there have been into asbestos-linked illness or death; who carried out such studies and who financed them; whether any are longitudinal studies and if he will give the size and nature of the samples in each study.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI have been informed by the Medical Research Council, which is the main Government-funded body supporting research into asbestos-linked illness or death, from its grant-in-aid under the science Vote of the Department of Education and Science, that it has supported relevant work during the past five years at the following places:—
MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, SouthamptonMRC Pneumoconiosis Unit, PenarthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineUniversity of Oxford (Sir Richard Doll)DHSS, in conjunction with the Welsh Office is supporting a project at University College, Cardiff.A DHSS-supported project at the London Hospital was completed in 1980.I am sending details to the hon. Member.
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§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list recommendations made, and action taken, on the removal of asbestos from National Health Service buildings.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergRecommendations affecting the removal of asbestos are governed by the Asbestos Regulations 1969 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Department has drawn up its own guidance on this matter in consultation with the National Health Service. This is in accordance with more general guidance issued by the Health and Safety Commission, the Health and Safety Executive and other bodies. It is summarised in a code of practice—"Asbestos-How to work with it safely" dated July 1978 and the accompanying circular WKO(79)1. The recommendations include, where it is necessary to remove materials containing asbestos
analysis of samples before work is undertaken;clearance of working area;screening and warning notices;protection of surfaces against contamination from dust;use of overalls, approved respirators and breathing apparatus;reduction of dust levels by dampening;immediate placement of removed asbestos (including screens, and other forms of protection) into sealed and labelled bags;vacuum cleaning of dust;cleaning and laundering of overalls and respirators;overspraying, coating or encasement;proper storage and maintenance of clothing and equipment;restriction on entry to the governed area;prescribed methods of cleaning surfaces:special marking of blue asbestos waste;prescribed methods of removing waste;ventilation.Action is a matter for regional and district health authorities but measures taken are open to inspection by the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make pleural asbestosis a prescribed industrial disease qualifying for benefit.
§ Mr. RossiMy right hon. Friend has recently received a report from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council recommending that bilateral diffuse pleural thickening of more than a specified degree should be prescribed as an industrial disease in asbestos workers. This recommendation is under consideration and the Government's response will be announced in due course. In the meantime we are arranging for the report to be published and laid before the House.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the approximate cost to the National Health Service of illness and death caused by asbestos.