§ Mrs. Bainasked the Lord Advocate if he will list in the Official Report (a) how many fatal accident inquiries have been held in respect of deaths due to industrial disease since the coming into force of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths (Inquiry) Scotland Act 1976 and (b) what criteria determine whether or not an inquiry will be held into a death which may be due to industrial disease.
The Lord AdvocateStatistics of the number of fatal accident inquiries in respect of deaths due to industrial disease are not kept. No such inquiries appear to have been held since the coming into force of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976.
Each death due to industrial disease is considered in light of its own circumstances. An inquiry is likely to be held if it is in the public interest or if there is reason to believe that it will assist in the eradication of dangers to life or health.