HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc207-8W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary for State for Social Services what research he is conducting into the industrial causes of chronic bronchitis; and if he will refer this matter to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.

Mr. Ennals

Research into all aspects of bronchitis has been carried out over a wide field. The Medical Research Council undertook a review of this work and published a report in January 1966. The Council has been keeping the results of further research under review and it will be informing my Department of any development which may be of significance on the occupational aspect of this common complaint. On present knowledge there is no evidence that chronic bronchitis satisfies the conditions for prescription laid down by the Industrial Injuries Act and in these circumstances it would serve no purpose to refer the matter to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.