§ Lord Haleasked Her Majesty's Government:
What payments are made for total and partial disablement in cases of mesothelioma, and how these are calculated.
§ Lord GlenarthurThe Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis and Miscellaneous Diseases Benefit Scheme provides for the payment of allowances out of the National Insurance Fund for total and partial disablement caused by certain diseases, including mesothelioma, contracted as a result of employment before 5th July 1948. There are two rates of benefit: the higher one at £55.60 a week is the same as the 100 per cent. Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit and is paid when the beneficiary is totally disabled. The lower rate is £20.45 per week, recognising that the beneficiary is not totally disabled by the disease but is suffering from it to such a degree that his general physical capacity for employment is impaired.