§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what response has been made by the Health and Safety Executive to the letter from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council recommending further research into bronchitis and emphysema following the council's 1988 report, Cm. 379.
§ Mr. NichollsThe chairman of the Health and Safety Commission replied to the chairman of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council on 16 June 1988, expressing sympathy with the council's viewpoint that further research should be conducted into non-smoking, dust-exposed workers and giving details of the Health and Safety Executive's studies on dust problems.
§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what studies have been carried out into bronchitis and emphysema among steelworkers and non-smokers since 1988.
§ Mr. NichollsI am unaware of any studies which have been carried out into bronchitis and emphysema among steelworkers and non-smokers since 1988. There is an on-going programme of research supported through the independent scientific committee on smoking and health that includes assessments of the prevalence of bronchitis among non-smokers as well as smokers. Some of the relevant studies were completed during 1988–89 and findings will be published in the scientific literature.