HC Deb 03 April 1979 vol 965 c566W
38. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the X-ray techniques used to identify silicosis in quarrymen and ex-quarrymen are a reliable guide for purposes of pneumoconiosis compensation.

Mr. Orme

Yes. The reliability of the techniques used has been demonstrated by research and by the long experience of the pneumoconiosis medical panels. I am obliged to the hon. Member for his various suggestions for modifying the diagnosis procedures in these cases and I have written to him about these.