§ Mr. Forresterasked the Secretary of State for Employment if any discussions have been held between employers, trade unions and his Department with the objective of introducing a uniform policy of compensatory payments for people suffering from pneumoconiosis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now make a statement on the progress of work of the inter-departmental committee investigating compensation schemes for those suffering from pneumoconiosis and associated lung diseases; and when he anticipates being able to announce positive proposals.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe inter-departmental working group which I have set up to consider this problem is actively engaged in its task but has not so far
648Wto service the vacancies, the job seekers involved will be told about the dispute, the decision whether or not to proceed with an application for employment then rests with the individual.
§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of industrial stoppages and the total number of working days lost through stoppage for each of the periods July 1945 to October 1951, November 1951 to September 1964, October 1964 to May 1970, June 1970 to February 1974 and March 1974 to the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. GoldingThe following is the information:
held any discussions with employers and trade unions. However, the group has access to the evidence given to the Pearson Commission and to other information provided by employers and trade unions. It will primarily be for the group to consider what further information is necessary and how it should be obtained. I cannot yet say when the group will be in a position to report to Ministers.