§ Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent Government regulations affecting classification of, and compensation for, diseases contracted in mining in the United Kingdom conform to those in other member States in the EEC.
§ Mr. OrmeThere are wide variations among member States of the EEC in regard to these matters. In general, the provisions for benefit under the British industrial injuries scheme are less restrictive than those operating elsewhere in the EEC. In the case of pneumoconiosis, the British scheme, unlike those of some member States, does not require a minimum period of exposure to risk or specify a period within which a claim must be made after the cessation of exposure.
If my hon. Friend has any particular aspect of the subject in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.