HC Deb 24 June 1963 vol 679 cc116-7W
52. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware of recent medical findings suggesting that farmer's lung is an occupational disease among agricultural workers; and if he will include it in the list of recognised industrial diseases.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I am aware of the findings to which my hon. Friend refers. The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has been studying these findings and has recently approached me on the subject. I have decided to refer the following question to it for its consideration and adviceWhether, having regard to Section 55(2) of the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act 1946, the respiratory complaint known as "farmer's lung" due to exposure to the dust of mouldy hay, mouldy straw, or similarly contaminated agricultural produce, should be prescribed under the Act and, if so, for what occupations.