§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 covers pleural mesothelioma; and what steps are taken to advise those affected of their rights to compensation.
§ Mr. MayhewI have been asked to reply.
The diseases covered by the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 include diffuse mesothelioma. Three press notices about the Act have been issued during the past 12 months, and information has been supplied to those trade unions most likely to have members afflicted by these diseases, and to certain employers associations and other interested bodies.