§ Mr. EadieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what input his Department intends to make as a result of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council decision to reconsider the prescription of chronic bronchitis and emphysema; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is an independent statutory body which advises Ministers directly on matters relating to the industrial injuries scheme, particularly on the prescription of occupational diseases. The Department does not normally make any formal input to the council's investigations, although it 437W would endeavour to assist with any information which the council might request. We shall, of course, consider carefully any recommendation on the prescription of chronic bronchitis and emphysema which the council might make as a result of its investigation.