Press Release

11th December 2001

McNeil Calls for Urgent Industry-Wide Research into Semiconductor Cancer Link
MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has called for a national study into possible links between working environments in the semiconductor industry and certain forms of cancer.

The move follows the publication today of a Health and Safety Executive report on cancer concerns among current and former workers at the National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd. plant in Greenock.

Speaking today, Mr McNeil said:

"The findings of this report are naturally concerning and must be taken seriously.

"Workers have a right to know whether their workplace is putting their health at risk. Employees and ex-employees of National Semiconductor will have no piece of mind until we get to the bottom of this.

"That is why we urgently need further investigation. I am glad that the HSE is carrying out a further study into the wider issues at the Greenock plant and fully back their call for similar research to be carried out in the industry as a whole. I would urge semiconductor companies throughout the UK to co-operate with the HSE in this work.

"Getting to the truth is vital for the current and former workforce, their families and the long term future of the industry."

The study finds that the rates of several specific cancers raise concern and require further investigation. Among women the lung cancer rate is two to three times above what may be normally expected, stomach cancers are four to five times above what may be normally expected and breast cancer cases are 30% higher than what may be normally expected.

Partly due to the design of the study, no causal link with the workplace environment was established. The HSE therefore plans to attempt to determine whether such a link exists in a follow up study.

Mr McNeil has today tabled a Member's Business motion in the Scottish Parliament, calling for further research to take place "across the semiconductor industry" and will be raising the issue of how the Scottish Executive will respond to the report with Ministers in the coming days.

Mr McNeil has also confirmed that he will be seeking assurances that local GPs and health professionals will be well-prepared to deal with any enquiries from anxious current or former members of the workforce.

ENDS

Notes

The full text of Mr McNeil's motion reads:

Research into Cancer Levels in the Semiconductor Industry
That the Parliament notes the publication of the Health and Safety Executive’s investigation of cancer concerns among current and previous workers at the National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd. plant in Greenock; notes that the study gives cause for concern which can only be addressed through further research across the semiconductor industry; calls for steps to be taken to ensure that GPs and other health professionals are well briefed and prepared for any enquiries from concerned current or former members of the workforce; and urges Scottish Executive Ministers and officials to work in partnership with all those concerned to ensure that issues arising from this research are addressed as a matter of priority.

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