HC Deb 30 November 1960 vol 631 cc373-4
17. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Labour what new diseases have been brought within the scope of industrial diseases regulations during the past five years; and what inquiries he is making in respect of industries where particular diseases appear to be prevalent, with a view to bringing them within this category.

Mr. P. Thomas

I have been in touch with the hon. Member and I understand that he is concerned with the Prescribed Diseases Schedule under the Industrial Injuries Act. This is, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.

Mr. Awbery

From my experience of the operation of the industrial diseases legislation, a number of diseases are added yearly to the list. I should like to know how many new diseases have been added to the list under the new Act, and what diseases they are, and in what industries they occur? If the hon. Gentleman says that it is not the business of his Department, I will refer the matter to the Department which he suggests.

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid that I am not in a position to answer the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but if he writes to or tables a Question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, I have no doubt that he will get an answer.

Mr. G. Brown

Are all these Questions which have been properly directed to the hon. Gentleman's Department—that is why the Questions were accepted—being answered by references to other Departments? Is the Ministry of Labour abdicating from its present position to the rôle of a post office, which it had in the days of Sir Henry Betterton, or is it accepting its responsibilities?

Mr. Thomas

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman is being fair. If he will look at the Question carefully, he will see that it is ambiguous. Consequently, I got in touch with the hon. Member for Bristol, Central (Mr. Awbery), who explained what was implied in his Question. As a result, I have no alternative but to tell him that this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.