§ 53. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the techniques used to identify those suffering from silicosis and associated lung diseases endemic to the quarrying industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeYes. The pneumoconiosis medical panels consider the occupational history, the medical history and reports, X-rays, lung function tests and their own 107W clinical examination before diagnosing pneumoconiosis, which includes silicosis. They keep in close touch with the research that is continuing in this field. Since the end of 1975, all slate workers who claim disablement benefit in respect of pneumoconiosis have been given a full examination by a pneumoconiosis medical board.