§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons suffering from byssinosis are known to his Department to have sued their employers for compensation in the last 10
454W
Part.time* employment 1977 Males Females Numbers (Thousands) Per cent. of all employed males Numbers (Thousands) Per cent. of all employed females United Kingdom … … 307 2.1 3,787 40.4 Belgium … … 24 1.0 181 16.1 Denmark … … 37 2.7 373 42.4 France … … 296 2.3 1,232 15.2 Germany (FR) … … 167 1.1 2,199 24.4 Irish Republic … … 12 1.6 25 9.6 Italy … … 150 1.2 311 5.9 Luxembourg … … 1 0.8 5 12.3 Netherlands … … 51 1.5 219 19.0 Source : Eurostat—"Labour Force Sample Survey 1977" Notes : *According to how respondents regard themselves Because the data are liable to sampling errors they should not be regarded as being accurate to the number of digits shown. Smaller figures should be regarded with particular caution years and in how many cases successfully; and if he will now grant lump sum compensation to all such persons, irrespective of whether their former employers now continue in business or not.
§ Mr. MayhewNo information is available about the number of actions for damages brought by sufferers from byssinosis or their outcome; such actions may be settled out of court. Because it is a condition of entitlement to a payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 introduced by the last Government that every relevant former employer of the disabled person has ceased to carry on business, there is no statutory authority to make payments if this condition is not satisfied.