§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD CROOKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will secure that the Factory Inspectorate examine the condition known as vibration syndrome which has been experienced by power tool workers as reported by the B.M.A. occupational health committee.]
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, the condition known as vibration syndrome is currently the subject of a fact-finding survey undertaken for the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in connection with the possibility of prescription under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1965. The opinions reported by the B.M.A. Occupational Health Committee were incorporated in written evidence submitted to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in connection with the survey. The Factory Inspectorate is being kept informed of the progress of the survey and will consider the implications of its findings when these are reported, probably later this year.
§ LORD CROOKMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that this will give great pleasure to those who hear the reply?
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that remark. May I return the compliment and say that the way he constantly raises these matters of industrial health and welfare is much to be commended.
§ LORD TAYLOR OF MANSFIELDMy Lords, could my noble friend say 5 whether the condition known as dupuytrens is being the subject of the same investigation?
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, the noble Lord bowled that one to me very neatly. It deals with all the diseases known as vibration syndrome—disease of the bone, joints, muscles, blood vessels and nerves of the hand or shoulder caused by vibrating machines. Would it be included in that?
§ LORD TAYLOR OF MANSFIELDMy Lords, from that reply I think dupuytrens would be included.