§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take measures to classify emphysema and chronic bronchitis as industrial diseases in the mining, quarrying and other heavy industries, and ensure appropriate benefits for sufferers and their dependants.
§ Mr. OrmeWhilst the position is kept under review, the evidence currently available would not justify prescription since to prescribe these diseases we should, under the criteria laid down in -the Social Security Act 1975, have to be
100Wresolve the situation which has persisted at Botleys park hospital since September 1976, whereby the admission of patients for long-term care has been limited by industrial action.
§ Mr. MoyleThe difficulties at this hospital can best be resolved by the responsible health authorities in discussion with the staff of the hospital, and it would not have been helpful for my Department to intervene. The situation arises from the high dependency of patients which has led nursing staff to consider that a high ratio of nurses to patients is needed. The Surrey area health authority plans to reduce the number of patients in the hospital so that new patients may be admitted. In the meantime, admissions for holiday relief continue, and it is intended to increase the number of community psychiatric nurses.