§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he proposes to announce the 439W Government's response to the recommendation of the industrial injuries advisory council that the 12 months' rule in relation to claims for disablement benefit arising from occupational deafness shall be replaced by a five-year rule;
(2) whether he will consider giving retrospective effect to the extension of the 12 months' rule for disablement benefit in respect of occupational deafness to the five years recommended by the industrial injuries advisory council.
§ Mr. RossiWe are still considering this and the other recommendations made by the council in its recent report. The Government's response will be announced as soon as possible.