HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc206-7W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what expansion in research into industrial diseases is being undertaken by his Department; and which industrial diseases will be studied.

Mr. Ennals

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the powers given by the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act to promote research into industrial diseases. These powers are limited to diseases against which persons are insured under the Act, and to diseases which it is contemplated might be prescribed. I have no proposals at the moment to expand the current programme, details of which I gave in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie) on 14th April.—[Vol. 781, c. 781–2.]