HC Deb 12 December 1978 vol 960 cc138-9W
Mrs. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury, he will abolish the requirement of a minimum period of employment in a prescribed occupation before a claimant can qualify for industrial injuries benefits on account of byssinosis.

Mr. Orme:

I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that we propose to remove the present condition that a claimant must have worked for at least five years in one or more of the prescribed occupations. Draft regulations are being referred to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council today, in accordance with section 141(2) of the Social Security Act 1975, and will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible.