§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent viral hepatitis is regarded as a prescribed industrial disease when contracted by police officers as a result of their being exposed to it in the course of their work, for example in handling blood samples from suspected drunken drivers, examining blood found at the scenes of crime, dealing with sudden deaths, searching prisoners, dealing with drug addicts and handling syringes and assisting in the removal of persons badly injured in road accidents.
§ Mr. RossiViral hepatitis is a prescribed industrial disease in relation, inter alia, to employed earners whose work involves close and frequent contact with human blood or blood products. It is for the independent adjudicating authorities to decide in each individual case whether a claimant's occupation falls within these terms. A police officer suffering from viral hepatitis might, in certain circumstances, benefit under the industrial accident arrangements.
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has recently initiated a review of the terms of prescription for viral hepatitis.