§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the definition of pneumoconiosis now used by those making awards of industrial injury benefit; how it may be diagnosed and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanFor the purpose of benefit under the Industrial Injuries Act pneumoconiosis means
fibrosis of the lungs due to silica dust, asbestos dust or other dust and includes the condition of the lungs known as dust-reticulation".Diagnosis is the responsibility of the pneumoconiosis medical boards who reach their conclusions after considering all the evidence including the occupational history and the results of radiological and clinical examinations. This statutory definition is currently being reviewed by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.