HC Deb 20 January 1984 vol 52 c329W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received for the prescription for benefit as an industrial disease of pleural asbestosis and lung cancer in asbestos workers.

Mr. Tony Newton

Since the industrial injuries advisory council submitted its report (Cmnd. 8750) a number of inquiries about the implementation of the council's recommendation have been received. My right hon. Friend has recently received revised recommendations from the council. Those recommend the prescription for asbestos workers of bilateral diffuse pleural thickening accompanied by a measurable degree of disability and of lung cancer accompanied by either asbestosis or bilaterial diffuse pleural thickening. As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Sir H. Rossi) today we are arranging for the publication of these revised conclusions, which will be considered.