HC Deb 05 December 1995 vol 268 c151W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what response he will make to the recommendations of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council regarding disorders of the knee and occupational rhinitis. [4706]

Mr. Roger Evans

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has given careful consideration to the recommendations in the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council's reports, Cm 2842 and 1843. The Government accept in full the council's recommendation in respect of occupational Rhinitis that the terms of the current prescription should be more precise and brought into line with current scientific thinking. Regulations will be laid to implement the change from March 1996.

The Government note the council's conclusion that there is insufficient scientific evidence available at present to recommend adding disorders of the knee to the list of prescribed diseases for which industrial injuries disablement benefit can be paid.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to receive the report from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council concerning the regulations relating to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. [4070]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. O'Brien) on 24 October 1995,Official Report col 627.