§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the groups of workers for whom hepatitis is now prescribed as an occupational disease; if he proposes to add to this list; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiViral hepatitis is a prescribed disease for occupations involving close and frequent contact with human blood or human blood products; and for workers in close and frequent contact with a source of viral hepatitis infection through the medical treatment or nursing of a patient suffering from the disease, or through work ancillary to this treatment or nursing.
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is currently reviewing the terms of prescription for viral hepatitis. My right hon. Friend will consider whether amendments to the scheme are necessary in the light of the council's report.