HC Deb 11 June 1984 vol 61 cc384-5W
Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what grounds the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council was asked to consider in 1982 whether epicondylitis of the humerus should be prescribed as an industrial disease; and which individuals and organisations were asked to submit evidence.

Mr. Newton

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council recommended in 1981 in the Review of the Schedule of Prescribed Diseases (Cmnd. 8393) that epicondylitis of the humerus (which includes "golfer's elbow") should be investigated. The council had been advised that there was a growing body of medical opinion in favour of accepting the condition as being occupationally induced or aggravated. In its report on epicondylitis of the humerus and rotator cuff syndrome, the council recommended that the conditions should not be prescribed. Evidence showed that, while the conditions could be occupationally caused, the risks are not specific to certain occupations but are common to all persons. In most cases it would not be possible to distinguish between occupational and non-occupational causes. Evidence was received from:

  • Dr. M. B. Bailey, Blackpool health district
  • Dr. R. H. Baker
  • Mrs. R. Buckingham, Eaton Ltd.
  • Dr. R. Burns
  • Confederation of British Industry
  • Department of Health and Social Security
  • Employment Medical Advisory Service
  • Engineering Employers Federation
  • Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of Physicians
  • Mr. T. J. Fairbank
  • Mr. G. A. Green, Legal and General Assurance Ltd.
  • Mr. R. A. Guppy
  • Hoover Ltd.
  • Professor L. Kessel, Institute of Orthopaedics
  • Dr. J. W. A. Moxson
  • Royal College of General Practitioners
  • Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
  • Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • Society of Occupational Medicine
  • Mr. R. Sweetman, FRCS, Middlesex hospital, Consultant
  • Advisor on Orthopaedics to DHSS
  • Mr. H. Weisl
  • West Yorkshire passenger transport executive

Several individuals suffering from these conditions also sent in details of their particular cases.