§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if Her Majesty's Government will prescribe all repetitive strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder, as industrial diseases for (a) clerical and (b) other workers, respectively, in the telecommunications industry; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe repetition strain injuries writer's cramp and tenosynovitis are already prescribed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also covered if it occurs as a result of tenosynovitis. The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council, which advises the Government on the prescribed diseases, considered repetition strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis of the humerus (tennis elbow) and rotator cuff syndrome (frozen shoulder), in its 1981 "Review of the schedule of prescribed diseases" (Cmnd. 8393, paragraphs 51–55). In 1983 the council studied two of these conditions, epicondylitis of the humerus and rotator cuff syndrome, in more detail. This report was not published but copies are available in the Library. Both reports decided against widening the terms of prescription for these conditions, because they were common in the general population and there was insufficient evidence to link them with specific occupational groups. However, the council is keeping the evidence on repetition strain injuries under review.