HC Deb 17 January 1979 vol 960 cc753-4W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made on the Government's proposals for a compensation scheme for slate quarrymen and others suffering from silicosis and other lung diseases; and when he intends to make an announcement of the details of the scheme.

Mr. Harold Walker:

The Government are committed to examining this question,

The following table shows how the number of excluded firms has changed.

and, as I have stated in the House on previous occasions, a working group is currently considering it. The matter is complex, embracing workers in many industries suffering from such diseases. The working group is aware of the urgency of its task, but is not yet ready to report. Further consideration by Ministers must await the report of the group.