HC Deb 27 February 1959 vol 600 cc199-201W
Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will explain the relatively high figures for the Stoke-on-Trent area in Tables 9, 10, 11, 12, and the small numbers in Table 13 of the Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics, 1957.

Mr. Vane

The hon. Gentleman will recollect that my right hon. Friend discussed a like point regarding Tables 9 to 12 of the 1956 Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics in his letter of 16th July, 1958. The 1957 Digest broadly follows the earlier pattern and the same kinds of consideration still apply. I am afraid it is not possible to apportion the effect of the various influences referred to in that letter, e.g. the growth in the area of an awareness of the risk of the disease; how freely, and when, applicants are prepared to come to the board, and the continued programme of mass radiography taking place in the West Midlands.

With reference to Table 13 in the Digest, the reasons which prompt a man

FOR THE YEAR 1957—PNEUMOCONIOSIS CASES
All industries Coalmining Potteries Foundries Other
National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act—
Applications scrutinised 1,726 1,191 535
Examinations made 1,749 1,155 278 233 83
Awards—
All assessments 1,267 840 223 153 51
Total disablement (100 per cent, assessment) 50 21 9 16 4
Partial disablement (other assessments) 1,217 819 214 137 47

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will provide in tabular form more detailed statistics than those contained in Table 5 of the Digest of Penumoconiosis Statistics, 1957, showing for the Stoke-on-Trent area, the number who suffer from pneumoconiosis, pneumoconiosis associated with bronchitis, pneumoconiosis associated

to seek re-employment in the mining industry depend on so many local factors and personal considerations that I do not feel able to speculate as to why applications for re-employment should vary from one area to another.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will give in tabular form such as is given generally in the Digest of Pneumoconiosis Statistics, 1957, particular information for the Stoke-on-Trent area, showing applications received, examinations made, awards made for total disablement and partial disablement for pneumoconiosis, bronchitis and emphysema, respectively, setting it out separately for coal-mining, the pottery industry and the foundries.

Mr. Vane

The following table gives the information in respect of cases under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act so far as it is available. The figures relate to cases dealt with by the Stoke-on-Trent Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel. Figures for the Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Scheme for the Stoke area are not available as the Board does not keep statistics on a geographical basis.

with emphysema, and pneumoconiosis associated with both bronchitis and emphysema, respectively, in coal-mining, the pottery industry and the foundries, giving the numbers per 50,000 employed both nationally and in each industry.

Mr. Vane

The following table gives the information so far as it is available. The figures quoted relate to certificates given by the Stoke-on-Trent Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel.

CERTIFICATES UNDER THE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION ACTS ISSUED BY THE STOKE-ON-TRENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS MEDICAL PANEL IN 1957
Death
Industry Applications dealt with Certified to have been caused by pneumoconiosis Partial or total disablement
Coal-mining 6 5
Pottery 1 1
Foundries

PNEUMOCONIOSIS DEATHS {a)
DEATH BENEFIT AWARDS MADE UNDER THE NATIONAL INSURANCE (INDUSTRIAL INJURIES) ACTS IN RESPECT OF DEATHS IN THE STOKE-ON-TRENT AREA (b) AWARDS CLASSIFIED BY AGE AT DEATH AND INDUSTRY
Year of death 1957(c)
Age Industry
Coal Mining Other Mining and Quarrying Potteries Iron Foundries Other Industries Total
30–34 years
35–39 years
40–44 years 1 1
45–49 years 2 1 3
50–54 years 6 2 4 3 15
55–59 years 20 1 7 5 4 37
60–64 years 18 10 3 7 38
65–69 years 16 9 2 2 29
70–74 years 12 1 3 1 2 19
75–79 years 5 5
80 years and over 2 2
Total 79 4 33 14 19 149
(a) The figures relate only to cases where death was caused, or materially accelerated, by pneumoconiosis and death benefit was paid. Not all pneumoconiosis deaths give rise to claims for death benefit.
(b) Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.
(c) Includes all awards made up to 2nd June, 1958 in respect of 1957 deaths.

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