§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the incidence of silicosis per 1,000 population in(a) County Durham, (b) west midlands and (c) Surrey in the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. FreemanInformation about the incidence of silicosis is not available centrally. Silicosis is not separately identified within hospital in-patient inquiry data but is included under pneumoconiosis. In 1985 the estimated number of in-patient cases treated in NHS hospitals with a main diagnosis of pneumoconiosis was 640. Sample numbers are too small for reliable estimates to be made below national level.
355WThe annual report of the Health and Safety Commission in its tables of cases of occupational diseases awarded benefit includes figures on those suffering from pneumoconiosis. A copy of the report is in the Library.