§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the incidence of cancer among workers within the semiconductor industry. [163971]
§ Mr. BrowneI have been asked to reply.
In December 2001, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)published a report that set out the findings of a study into the cancer incidence and mortality of current and former workers at the National Semiconductor plant in Greenock. As a result of that investigation, HSE has developed a specification for further investigation of the findings at Greenock which it is discussing with the company and its workforce. The HSE has also established a feasibility study to investigate whether an industry-wide study can be undertaken.