HL Deb 27 November 1979 vol 403 c386WA
Lord HALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) Whether they are satisfied that adequate notice has been given to potential claimants under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 that the Act is now in force and as to how claims should be enforced;
  2. (ii) Whether they have completed the preparation of the draft regulations under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979, and when they will be laid before Parliament; and
  3. (iii) What are the diseases now covered by the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 and amending Regulations.

The Earl of GOWRIE

(i) Yes. The number of applications already received (2,320) since the Act came into force on 4th July 1979 compares favourably with the estimated total number who may be entitled to a payment under the Act, and suggests that a high proportion of potential beneficiaries have by now realised that claims can be made. The need for any further official publicity will, however, be considered early in the new year.

  1. (ii) It is hoped to lay the draft regulations prescribing the amounts of payments to be made under the Act very soon.
  2. (iii) The diseases covered by the Act are Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis and Diffuse Mesothelioma. Pneumoconiosis includes all types of that disease, including in particular those commonly known as asbestosis, silicosis and kaolinosis. There is no power to extend the Act by regulations to cover other diseases.