§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the 839W findings of the Health and Safety Executive-Peto report, "Continuing Increase in Mesothelioma Mortality in Britain", and its consequence for his Department's policy. [17073]
§ Mr. HagueDiffuse mesothelioma is already included in the list of prescribed diseases for which industrial injuries disablement benefit is payable. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is advised on the list by the independent Industrial Injuries Advisory Council which is aware of the Peto report. The council monitors developments in the field of occupational disease, and intends to review asbestos-related diseases as part of its work programme for the current year.