HL Deb 17 January 1983 vol 437 cc1272-3WA
Lord Hale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the number of new claims for industrial injury benefit presented in respect of (a) asbestosis and (b) mesothelioma for the most recent period of twelve months for which figure are available and for the two immediately preceding periods of twelve months.

Lord Trefgarne

Information in the form requested is not available centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The following table relates to cases seen by pneumoconiosis medical boards in connection with claims for industrial disablement benefit because of asbestosis:—

Year Cases seen Disease diagnosed Disease not diagnosed
1981 417 140 277
1980 427 144 283
1979 447 123 322

The following table shows the number of awards of industrial death benefit for (a) asbestosis and (b) diffuse mesothelioma for the three years, 1979–1981:—

Year of death (a) Asbestosis (b) Diffuse Mesothelioma
1981 58 132
1980 59 131
1979 59 131