HC Deb 22 March 1979 vol 964 cc741-2W
Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if his inquiries into the question of the payment of compensation to slate quarrymen suffering from pneumoconiosis have been completed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Harold Walker

The Government have concluded their consideration of the review of the question of compensation for slate quarrymen and others suffering from pneumoconiosis and similar respirable dust diseases, and have decided to introduce a Bill to enable the Secretary of State to make a scheme to compensate such workers who, although eligible for benefit under the existing social security provisions, have been unable to seek compensation in tort or delict through the courts because they have no surviving employer against whom they could proceed.

We intend to introduce the Bill as quickly as possible and to formulate a scheme which could be laid by statutory instrument under the provisions of this Bill as shortly as possible thereafter.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made in the study on compensation to quarrymen and others suffering industrial diseases and disabilities; what proposals he plans to make on this issue; and when these proposals will be put into effect.

Mr. Harold Walker

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 411], gave the following information:

The Government have concluded their consideration of the review of the question of compensation for slate quarrymen and others suffering from pneumoconiosis and similar respirable dust diseases, and have decided to introduce a Bill to enable the Secretary of State to make a scheme to compensate such workers who, although eligible for benefit under the existing social security provisions, have been unable to seek compensation in tort or delict through the courts because they have no surviving employer against whom they could proceed.

We intend to introduce the Bill as quickly as possible and to formulate a scheme which could be laid by statutory instrument under the provisions of this Bill as shortly as possible thereafter.