asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken following the recent discoveries about the number of people affected by cadmium poisoning.

I am not aware of any recent discoveries about 'lie number of people affected by cadmium poisoning. I understand that some four cases a year resulting from occupational exposure have been notified in recent years under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.We are aware of the risks associated with this substance and various studies are being undertaken to monitor levels in the environment generally and to check on levels in the human kidney.