HC Deb 09 February 1983 vol 36 cc407-8W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many sufferers from occupational deafness arising out of industrial injury known to his Department would be helped if the 12 months' rule were to be extended to five years and permitted to cover any claim already on the record which had been made within five years and which had been extended only because of the 12 months' rule;

(2) how many applicants for disablement benefit in respect of occupational deafness have been refused benefit because of the 12 months' rule in each of the past five years.

Mr. Rossi

I regret that this information is not available.