HC Deb 17 November 1986 vol 105 cc68-9W
Mr. Patchett

asked the Paymaster General if he will require the employment medical advisory service and Her Majesty's factory inspectorate to devote more resources to investigating working conditions at Stallite Batteries, Bolton on Dearne; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

No. I am satisfied that the Health and Safety Executive has made and will continue to make available sufficient resources to investigate working conditions at Stallite Batteries.

Mr. Patchett

asked the Paymaster General on what dates since March Her Majesty's factory inspectorate visited Stallite Batteries, Bolton on Dearne; and what specific action was taken following each visit.

Mr. Trippier

Her Majesty's factory inspectorate visited Stallite Batteries Ltd., at Bolton on Dearne on 18 March, 24 April, 8 May, 28 May, 27 June and 14 August 1986 to give advice before production started. Advisory letters were sent after five of these visits.

Visits were made on 2 September 1986 and 13 November 1986 to inspect the production process. A letter was sent after the visit on 2 September and written confirmation of the verbal advice given at the visit on 13 November will be sent shortly.

Meetings were also held at the premises on 24 September and 7 October at which advice was given.

Mr. Patchett

asked the Paymaster General (1) on each occasion when the employment medical advisory service took blood samples at Stallite Batteries, how many blood lead levels were found in the following categories (a) males 09.19 mg/100ml, 20–39 mg/100ml, 40–59 mg/100ml, 60–69 mg/100ml, and 70+ mg/100ml and (b) females 0–19 mg/100ml, 20–39 mg/100ml, 40–59 mg/100ml, 60–69 mg/ 100ml, 70+ mg/100ml.

(2) on which dates since March blood samples were taken by the employment medical advisory service, for lead levels, at Stallite Batteries, Bolton on Dearne.

Mr. Trippier

The table shows the dates on which blood samples were taken and the number of results in each category. Workers with high blood lead levels will have blood samples taken more frequently. The number of

Males
Number of results in each category
(microgram per 100 millilitre)
Date of test 0–19 20–39 40–59 60–69 70 or over
22 July 1986 1 3 1 2 2
11 August 1986 1 1 1
20 August 1986 4 2 3 1 1
2 September 1986 1
10 September 1986 2 1 1
30 September 1986 3 4 4 2
9 October 1986 2 4 2
16 October 1986 1
27 October 1986 4 5 2 1
6 November 1986 1 1 2 2 2
Totals 13 18 20 11 8

Females
Number of results in each category
(microgram per 100 millilitre)
Date of test 0–19 20–39 40–59 60–69 70 or over
22 July 1986 2
4 August 1986 2
11 August 1986 3
15 August 1986 1
20 August 1986 4 1
2 September 1986 1 1
10 September 1986 1 1 1
30 September 1986 3 1
9 October 1986 2 3 1
27 October 1986 2 1
6 November 1986 1 3
Totals 7 16 10 2 0

Mr. Patchett

asked the Paymaster General what action the employment medical advisory service has recommended that Stallite Batteries takes to ensure safe working conditions at its Bolton on Dearne factory.

Mr. Trippier

The employment medical advisory service has made frequent visits and advised on a number of aspects of the medical supervision of employees exposed to lead.

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