§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of mesothelioma were reported in the years 1963 to 1969, inclusive, and 1970 to 1976, inclusive.
§ Mr. OrmeThe information available relates to the diagnosis of diffuse mesothelioma in connection with claims for industrial disablement benefit, and dates from 22nd August 1966 when this disease was first added to the Prescribed Disease Schedule. The cases diagnosed in each year since 22nd August 1966 were:
1966 … … 21 1967 … … 61 1968 … … 70 1969 … … 85 1970 … … 86 1971 … … 97 1972 … … 104 1973 … … 104 1974 … … 142 1975 … … 148 1976 … … 191 It is probable that some cases of mesothelioma were recorded as pneumoconiosis (asbestosis); to this extent these figures understate the true position.