§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that adequate coverage is given by the 659W deafness disability scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeIndustrial injuries benefits for occupational deafness were made available in 1975 to certain workers in very noisy occupations, following a report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. The council recommended that cover should be limited on the basis of evidence that the resources for audio-logical assessment in the National Health Service which could be diverted to examinations in connection with claims would have to be restricted if its main function, the diagnosis and treatment of deaf people, was not to suffer. Following a second report by the council in 1978, the cover was extended in September 1979, to bring in more workers in noisy occupations and to relax the definition of occupational deafness. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans for further extension. However, the council has been asked to keep the provisions under review.