§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now make it her policy to extend compensation benefits to those who suffer silicosis and associated lung diseases endemic to the slate quarrying and similar industries.
§ Mr. O'Malley:I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Evans) on 20th December 1974. Benefit under the industrial injuries scheme for pneumoconiosis (which includes silicosis) is available on a similar basis for slate quarry workers as for coal miners and other occupations at risk.—[Vol. 883, c. 727–8.]