11. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of certified pneumoconiosis cases for the last 12 months in the mining industry in each area separately; and how such certifications compare with the last three years.
§ Mr. PeakeI regret that the information is not available for the last 12 months; but I will, if I may, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures for the years 1951 to 1953, and for the first half of 1954.
Mr. SlaterCan the Minister say whether there has been an increase or a decrease in the number of these pneumoconiosis cases during the period?
§ Mr. PeakeThere was an increase of about one-third in 1953, compared with 1951 and 1952. For the first part of 1954, it would appear that the annual rate was about the same as that for 1953.
Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, terrible as is the incidence of this disease in the mining industry, it is also prevalent amongst foundry workers? Will he see if figures can also be given to see what is its effect in this industry?
§ Mr. PeakeI shall certainly furnish the right hon. Gentleman with any figures which are available upon this subject, in which I take a deep personal interest.
§ Following are the figures:
19§ 33. Mr. Prydeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland with regard to the application of the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Amendment Scheme, 1954, to Scotland.
§ Mr. PeakeIn general, the scheme will apply without distinction in all parts of Great Britain. I have, however, been in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about an administrative provision which concerns Scotland.
§ Mr. PrydeWho will be responsible, financially and otherwise, for ordering a post-mortem examination in Scotland in cases where there is dual certification of death?
§ Mr. PeakeI am afraid that the hon. Gentleman has floored me on this occasion. I wish he would put that point about procedure in the Scottish courts to the Secretary of State for Scotland. I have been in consultation with the Secretary of State on one point only, dealing with the payment of death grant in these particular cases.
§ Mr. PrydeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 mine workers in Scotland and that this scheme affects their wives and families and is of great interest to us?
§ Mr. PeakeI shall be very happy to look into the point if the hon. Gentleman will let me know all about it.
§ Mr. WoodburnAs this provision deals with coroners' inquests, which do not take place in Scotland, is the right hon. Gentleman making alternative arrangements?