§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take following the recently published report made to him by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council concerning industrial noise and hearing.
§ Mr. EnnalsAt the request of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council undertook an appraisal of the results of long-term research into the effects of industrial noise on hearing. This research was originally commissioned following a suggestion by the Council.
After studying their appraisal (Cmnd. 4145) of the research findings my right hon. Friend has referred formally to the Council the question whether there are degrees of occupational deafness which satisfy the conditions for prescription laid down by the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act.
271WThe Secretary of State has also asked the Council for their advice on the arrangements which would have to be made for dealing with claims in the event of the prescription of occupational deafness, and whether any special conditions should be placed on eligibility for benefit under the Act.