HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 c444W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what proportion of deaths from mesothelioma industrial death benefit is paid by his Department.

Mr. Newton

In 1983, the latest year for which figures are available, industrial death benefit was awarded in approximately one-third of cases where mesothelioma was shown on the death certificate. Not all deaths where the death certificate mentions mesothelioma result in claims for industrial death benefit. In a number of cases, for example, the deceased may not have left a widow.