The unusually high incidence of cancer in Kirkby and the Sonae plant.
On 27 Feb 2007, George sponsored a debate in the House of Commons on the unusually high incidence of cancer in Kirkby. During the debate, he said:
"Kirkby has a long and unhappy history of health problems, most particularly of cancer. A debate is currently under way locally about the causes of the high rates of certain kinds of cancer. I have recently been responsible, along with others, for the establishment of a monitoring group to consider what action is being taken and to monitor the research that is under way. However, there is a widespread belief in Kirkby that industrial pollution is at least part of the problem, and the name most often mentioned is, sad to say, Sonae."
The history of problems and the regularity of successful prosecutions against the company raises serious questions about the health and safety of the work force and residents. I hope that the HSE investigation will involve an examinsation of all the risks associated with the process at Sonae, together with any appropriate recommendations for preventing such risks. Unless and until the HSE can be satisfied that the plant can safely reopen, and guarantee the health and safety of the workforce and residents, I believe the plant needs to remain closed.
Read the original Hansard debate here.
For information about Knowsley Council's work on the problem, click here.
