HC Deb 01 April 1968 vol 762 cc44-5W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Social Security what machinery exists to enable medical appeal tribunals to refer industrial diseases direct to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council for consideration as prescribed diseases.

Mr. Loughlin

It is open to any member of a medical appeal tribunal, as it is to any other individual, to write to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council if he has evidence relating to any particular industrial disease which he thinks might satisfy the conditions laid down in Section 56(2) of the Industrial Injuries Act and thereby merits prescription.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Social Security which diseases have been considered by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council for inclusion in the list of prescribed diseases in each of the last live years; and which of these diseases have been prescribed.

Mr. Loughlin

During the last five years the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has considered and reported on, farmer's lung, byssinosis in flax and hemp workers and erosion of the teeth due to acid. Farmer's lung was prescribed from 21st June, 1965, and byssinosis among certain flax workers from 1st November, 1965. The Council recommended that erosion of the teeth should not be prescribed and this recommendation was accepted.

The question of prescribing vibration syndrome was referred to the Council in January, 1967 and is still under consideration. Draft regulations prescribing diffuse mesothelioma were considered and agreed by the Council in August, 1966.