§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent there 281W has been any recent change in the incidence of pneumoconiosis.
§ Mr. DeanThe Department's statistical records are based on claims for benefit under the Industrial Injuries scheme and its associated schemes. They are not in a form which would enable true incidence rates to be estimated. Nevertheless I am sure the hon. Member will be reassured to know that there has been a steady fall in new awards of disablement benefit from the peak figure of 6,059 for 1955 to 964 in 1969, the last year for which figures are available.