To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has of number of the workers in the intensive pig farming business who suffer from chest complaints; and if he will make a statement.

Studies by the Health and Safety Executive and others suggest that workers in intensive pig rearing houses have a higher prevalence of a range of respiratory symptoms than the general population. The Health and Safety Executive is currently analysing the available data and I will write to the hon. Member once I can give a more definitive reply.