§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have been awarded disablement benefit arising from asbestosis in each available year; and320W how many people have been refused disablement benefit because it has been decided that they do not suffer from asbestosis in each year.
§ Mr. ScottAsbestosis is not itself a prescribed disease, but falls within the definition of pneumoconiosis—fibrosis of the lungs due to silica dust, asbestos dust or other dust. The numbers of claims for pneumoconiosis arising out of employment in the asbestos industry which were referred to special medical boards in the years 1985 to 1989, are set out in the table.
Pneumoconiosis in the asbestos industry References (excluding reassessments) Diagnosed Not diagnosed 1989 741 268 473 1988 688 202 486 1987 758 247 511 1986 426 312 614 1985 748 273 475