Former MP assisted in the cover-up of asbestos dangers

Rochdale, UK - A former Rochdale MP was exposed this week for having lobbied for a company that once had the world's largest asbestos factory.

The New Statesman magazine revealed that in 1981, Sir Cyril Smith had helped Turner & Newall suppress the information on the dangers of asbestos. He had written a letter to an executive of the company in which he disclosed the fact that the House would be debating EEC regulations on asbestos in the upcoming parliamentary session, and he asked the T&N executive what they would like him to say in the meeting.

The written speech prepared for him was almost indistinguishable from what Smith said in his speech at the session. He discussed that asbestos did not need as much regulation as some other products and that asbestos did not pose a risk to the public at large.

Today, about 4,000 people in the UK die a year as a result of an asbestos-related disease. The Rochdale MP had been an accomplice in T&N exposing millions of people to the potentially deadly asbestos fibers while fully aware of the fact the substance was a health and safety threat. Victims of asbestos exposure usually don't find out that they're at risk until decades later when the effects finally show up, often leaving them with less than a few years to live.

In his response addressing his speech to parliament, Sir Cyril denies having supported T&N. He said that he was only highlighting the arguments in favor of the company, which he was quick to point out, had been the town's largest employer with thousands of Rochdale employees.
Many shocked town politicians have condemned the former MP and said this revelation would have ended his political career had he still been involved today.

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