§ 5. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions which relate to the award of compensation to workers partially disabled by pneumoconiosis who are not entitled to compensation at the present time.
§ Mr. PeakeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Finch) on 4th February last.
§ Dr. StrossIn determining this matter will the Minister bear in mind that the fears which used to be expressed about the overloading of pneumoconiosis boards have not proved correct, in so far as the pneumoconiosis benefit scheme—which he introduced—is concerned? The work is going on very well and these new cases could be satisfactorily and easily handled.
§ Mr. PeakeAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I am giving this matter careful and earnest consideration. I shall make a statement as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ 6. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of National Insurance approximately the number of men and women in North Staffordshire who are suffering from some degree of pneumoconiosis, but are no longer employed in the various industries in which they contracted the disease.
§ Dr. StrossWill the Minister give us some help and advice on this matter? Is he aware that as mass-radiography examinations take place this information must ultimately be made available. I presume that he will then have it. Can be say whether, when the number of cases is known, those men who fall into the category referred to in Question No. 5—if loss of faculty is shown—would benefit from the scheme?
§ Mr. PeakeThat goes rather beyond the Question on the Order Paper, which asks about the numbers of sufferers from pneumoconiosis in North Staffordshire. North Staffordshire is rather an ill-defined area, and that is one of the obstacles to giving the hon. Gentleman the information for which he asks; but if he will have a word with myself or the Parliamentary Secretary we will see if any information is available.
§ Dr. StrossI am grateful.