HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 cc92-3W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services on what occasions his Department has been advised by Dr. Kevin Browne concerning the prescription of lung cancer in asbestos workers where there is no evidence of asbestosis or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening; and what was the consequence of any such advice.

Mr. Scott

Following publication of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council's report on "Asbestos-Related Diseases Without Asbestosis" (Cmnd. 8750) in November 1982, a number of eminent experts in occupational chest diseases, including Dr. Browne then employed full-time by Cape Industries, wrote to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Sir H. Rossi) the then Minister of State for Social Security and the Disabled. As a result of their representations the report was referred back to the council for further consideration. The council subsequently modified its recommendations in a supplement to its report, which was published in March 1984 (Cmnd. 9184).

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether Dr. Kevin Browne has access to special medical board records relating to past or present employees of Cape Industries.

Mr. Scott

As a part-time adjudicating medical practitioner Dr. Browne has no access to medical boarding centre records other than those relating to the cases he boards. Special procedures have been introduced to ensure these do not include present or past employees of Cape Industries.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether Dr. Kevin Browne of the London medical boarding centre has been reprimanded or disciplined in relation to the curriculum vitae he submitted.

Mr. Scott

The senior medical officer at the London medical boarding centre (respiratory diseases) has discussed the matter with Dr. Browne. I am satisfied that Dr. Browne had no intention of deliberately misleading the Department.