§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to give industrial injury benefits to all who are unable to work due to an incapacity which on the balance of possibilities has arisen out of and in the course of their employments.
§ Mr. DeanNo. The Industrial Injuries Act already provides cover against personal injuries caused by accidents arising out of and in the course of insurable employment. The "balance of possibilities" approach is impracticable in the context of industrial disease for which separate provision is accordingly made by the Act.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to extend the industrial benefits payable to those suffering from pneumoconiosis to those suffering from emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
§ Mr. DeanNo. The benefits of the Industrial Injuries Scheme are available generally to those suffering from pneumoconiosis as they are to other claimants. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis on their own do not satisfy the conditions for prescription in Section 56(2) of the94W National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1965. Where however these diseases are found in the presence of pneumoconiosis there are special provisions for taking them into account. 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 found in the presence of pneumoconiosis.