HC Deb 12 July 1978 vol 953 cc615-7W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is accepted that for the purposes of the pneumoconiosis, byssinosis and miscellaneous diseases benefit scheme death due to coronary disease may have been partially caused, or accelerated, by lung diseases.

Norfolk, North—Official Report, 8th February 1978, c. 576–8—showing the net weekly spending power of a lone mother at different levels of earnings and when unemployed, on the assumption that when working she is contracted out of the State pension scheme.

Mr. Orme

The tables below correspond to those included in my earlier reply, table 2 showing the levels at which, on the basis of the hon. Member's hypothetical assumptions, there may no longer be title to means-tested benefits. The hon. Member will appreciate that the figures relate only to the illustrative examples he has chosen, including his specification that the national insurance contributions should be at the contracted-out rate, and have no general validity.

Mr. Orme

Yes. The question to be decided by the independent adjudicating authorities for the purposes of a claim under the pneumoconiosis, byssinosis and miscellaneous diseases benefit scheme is whether or not death was caused or materially accelerated by one of the diseases scheduled under the scheme, including certain lung diseases. All available medical evidence as to the cause of death, including the death certificate, any post-morten report and the medical opinion of the Silicosis Medical Board, is taken into account in reaching the decision as to whether, in any particular case, death was due to coronary disease caused or accelerated by lung disease. If the or accelerated by lung disease. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I shall be pleased to look into it.

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