HC Deb 16 May 1984 vol 60 cc160-1W
Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the number of death and industrial disease benefit claims made in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the following diseases, and in each case, the number of claims accepted for each year from 1974 to 1982, inclusive: (a) asbestosis, (b) mesothelioma of the pleura, (c) mesothelioma of the peritoneum and (d) respiratory tract cancers in the presence of proven asbestos exposure.

Mr. Newton

Information in the form requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The following table shows the number of awards of industrial death benefit for(a) asbestosis as at 31 December 1982 and (b) diffuse mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum as at 31 March 1984, relating to deaths between 1974 and 1982 for the United Kingdom as a whole. Awards of industrial disablement for these diseases are also shown.

Respiratory tract cancer with evidence of asbestos exposure is not yet prescribed under the industrial injuries scheme.