HC Deb 21 May 1962 vol 660 cc11-2W
63. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what action has been taken by his Department during the past two years to ensure sympathetic treatment for those in North Staffordshire who suffer from pneumoconiosis; to what extent, during examinations, the benefit of doubt is given to the sufferer; and what further action he intends to take.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter:

The determination of individual claims under the Industries Injuries Acts has been placed by Parliament with the independent statutory authorities. I have no reason to suppose that claimants on account of pneumoconiosis, in common with all other claimants, do not receive sympathetic treatment in the application of the law to their claims.