HC Deb 02 February 1971 vol 810 c1438
4. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what non-departmental advice he receives regarding the pathology of lung disease.

Mr. Dean

Our medical advisers are in constant touch with leading authorities on industrial lung diseases, with which I assume this question is concerned. In the particular field of the pneumoconioses, the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has been receiving both written and oral evidence from all sources, including a number of pathologists with a direct interest in the diseases.

Mr. Eadie

While I thank the hon. Gentleman for another very helpful answer, is he prepared to look at the methods adopted in the pathology of lung diseases? I am thinking primarily of pneumoconiosis. Is he aware that some very experienced medical men have expressed doubts about the methods at present adopted? For example, they believe that before a proper diagnosis can be made the lung should be blown up, and I understand that this is not a general procedure. Will he look at the methods of diagnosis?

Mr. Dean

Yes. This is one of the reasons why the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is assessing the situation at present. If the hon. Gentleman has any further specific points that he would like to put to me, I shall be glad to hear from him.