HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc838-9
24. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how far the disease of chronic bronchitis, when it accompanies pneumoconiosis, is considered in the assessment of the loss of faculty.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

While chronic bronchitis is not itself prescribed as an occupational disease, where pneumoconiosis is found to exist, the medical board or medical appeal tribunal, in assessing the disablement, has to take account of the disabling effects of chronic bronchitis to the extent that they are due to or made worse by the presence of pneumoconiosis.

Dr. Stross

May we take it that that answer means that where chronic bronchitis accompanies pneumoconiosis and is thought by the tribunal to be due to it, an assessment for it is added to the assessment for pneumoconiosis?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As my original answer, which I am afraid was long and complicated, makes clear when read, if the bronchitis is the result of pneumoconiosis, it is taken into account in assessing the disability.

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