§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the nations in Western Europe which classify bronchitis and emphysema as industrial diseases.
§ Mr. NewtonI am not aware of any nations in Western Europe which classify bronchitis and emphysema as industrial diseases. I understand, however, that some countries, for example, Denmark, may make awards for bronchitis on the basis of individual proof.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now introduce legislation classfying bronchitis and emphysema as industrial diseases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonBefore a condition can be added to the schedule of prescribed industrial diseases it must be accepted as a risk of occupation and not a risk shared by everyone. It must also be possible for the occupational link to be demonstrated or presumed with reasonable certainty in individual cases. The industrial injuries advisory council's advice is that chronic bronchitis and emphysema have not yet been shown to meet these requirements. The council is keeping the evidence under review.