Ford cancers: MP backs call for new probe

12:00pm Friday 23rd February 2007

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MP Chris Huhne has joined grieving families to call for a wider investigation into cancer cases at Ford's Southampton factory.

Eastleigh's Liberal Democrat MP today pledged his support for a second inquiry at the Swaythling plant focusing on all forms of cancer.

Following Ford's investigation into six cases of oesophageal cancer at the paint shop, Mr Huhne vowed to take on the case of any family who feared the death of their loved one was linked to working in the factory.

Ford's independent investigation concluded that the oesophageal cancer cluster was a coincidence but Mr Huhne has backed calls for a second inquiry looking at other forms of cancer among workers.

"If there are other types of cancer that may have arisen because of a potential link with the plant then I think they should be investigated," he said.

His comments come after the Daily Echo received four phone calls regarding lung cancer among former Ford workers. These included the cases of former paint shop foreman Don Katterns, who died of lung cancer in 1998, and former quality control inspector Fred Dougdale.

An American study which looked at mortality rates among Ford's North American employees found higher than expected levels of cancer deaths across its plants - including lung cancer among employees working in transmission/gear manufacturing, casting operations, engine manufacturing and vehicle assembly.

Medical expert Professor Janusz Jankowski told the Daily Echo that breathing in paint spray was more likely to cause lung cancer than oesophageal cancer.

Mr Huhne added: "If there is an unusual incidence of cancers associated with the plant then all the potential cancers should be investigated."