§ 32. Mr. Harperasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider scheduling emphysema as an industrial disease to people working, or who have worked, in the coalmining industry.
§ Mr. DeanNo. On present evidence, emphysema does not satisfy the requirements for prescription laid down in the Industrial Injuries Act.
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is currently reviewing the definition of pneumoconiosis and what special provision, if any, should be made for disablement due to other respiratory conditions, which would include emphysema, found in the presence of pneumoconiosis. It is not possible to anticipate when the Council will be in a position to report.