§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has completed his study of the report "Coal-workers' Pneumoconiosis, Emphysema and Bronchitis" sent to him by the National Union of Mineworkers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe report has been studied most carefully in my department. It is lengthy and detailed, referring to a number of complex issues in regard to pneumoconiosis and other chest diseases which are the subject of differences of medical opinion. Many of the recommendations are of concern to other Government Departments and bodies, including the National Coal Board, and I have asked my officials to arrange for discussions with these other interests before final conclusions are reached.
The main recommendations call for changes in the definition of pneumoconiosis and of the conditions under which disablement benefit may be claimed and awarded under the social security industrial injuries scheme. They have significant cost implications and relate in part to matters which are already under consideration in the review of the industrial injuries scheme which, as I have already announced, officials are presently conducting.
I have written today to the secretary of the NUM informing him of my views that a number of questions raised in the report merit further attention; I am sending a copy of my letter to my hon. Friend.