§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations have been made to his Department, and by whom, that bronchitis and emphysema should be prescribed as industrial diseases in coalmining; whether his Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has considered this; and if he will give the matter consideration.
§ Mr. DeanRepresentations have been made by the Trades Union Congress and member unions, and bronchitis and emphysema have received careful study in consultation with the Medical Research Council. On present evidence these conditions do not satisfy the requirements for prescription laid down by Section 56(2) of the Industrial Injuries Act. In these circumstances no useful purpose would be served by referring the question of prescription to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.