§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, this is the third set of amending Orders which have been made under the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Act, 1951. This Act, of course, applies only to cases in which the disease was contracted as a result of employment before July 5, 1948. Those persons who contracted the disease as a result of employment after that date are dealt with under the Industrial Injuries Act. The purpose of this Order is to give effect to certain amendments made by the two National Insurance Acts of 1957. Broadly speaking, the Order does three things. Firstly, it introduces a new dependency condition for wives brought in under the National Insurance Act, 195.7. Secondly, it reintroduces medical examination by two doctors, instead of one. This has not previously been possible, on account of the load of work which arose as a result of the previous amending scheme of 1954, under which benefit was extended to persons partially disabled as well as to those totally disabled. Thirdly, it enables persons suffering from byssinosis to qualify for benefit 1326 after ten years, instead of twenty years as at present. These changes are wholly beneficial, and I do not think the House will have any difficulty in agreeing them. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Amendment Scheme, 1957, be approved.—(The Earl of Selkirk.)
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, I should like to say a word on how much we welcome this Scheme. It certainly does not go as far as we should like it to go, but it makes some improvement for those poor fellows who have been suffering for so long from these terrible diseases. So I thank the noble Earl and the Government for bringing in this Scheme.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKI thank the noble Viscount very much.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.