HC Deb 14 April 1969 vol 781 cc781-2
31. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much his Department is spending on giving aid to research into industrial diseases; and if he will list the amount spent in each category.

Mr. Ennals

Expenditure on research under Section 71 of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act during the last financial year amounted to £14,120. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the detailed table asked for.

Mr. Eadie

Is my hon. Friend aware that far too many working people are crippled by pneumoconiosis? Does he agree that if the effect of this terrible disease could be minimised the work force would be not only more comfortable but better able to assist in building the country's productive wealth?

Mr. Ennals

A study of pneumoconiosis is already being undertaken by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. I agree that this is an important subject for research, but a great deal of work has already been done on the subject.

Mr. Tinn

As many more days are lost through illness and injury sustained at work than are lost through strikes, is my hon. Friend satisfied with the amount his Department is spending on this? It seems a disappointingly small figure. Can he assure us that no worth-while projects of research are being held up through lack of funds?

Mr. Ennals

The figure for one year does not give a very fair impression because, although there are three researches which the figure I gave in part covers, one of the researches—for instance, that on industrial noise and hearing—was a very much larger research and much more of the cost was carried in earlier years. If new proposals are put forward as a basis for research, I assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend will look at them very carefully. We are already substantially expanding the field of research in both parts of the new Department for which my right hon. Friend is responsible.

Following is the table:

Subject of research Expenditure
Industrial noise and hearing £12,350
The incidence of injuries to hands, arms or shoulders from the use of vibration tools £1,400
The possible industrial relationship of pulmonary infection due to anonymous mycobacteria £370
£14,120