§ Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council on bladder and lung cancer in relation to aluminium smelting; and if he will make a statement on this and the council's earlier reports on work-related upper limb disorders (Cm 1936) and lung cancer in relation to occupational exposure to silica (Cm 2043).
§ Mr. ScottMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has today laid before Parliament the council's report on bladder and lung cancer in relation to aluminium smelting (Cm 2104). We have accepted the council's recommendation that bladder cancer in relation to work in aluminium smelting involving the Soderberg process be added to the list of diseases prescribed for industrial disablement benefit purposes. The council found insufficient evidence to recommend that lung cancer in association with aluminium smelting be prescribed.
The Government also accept the council's recommendations in Cm 1936 and 2043 that both carpal tunnel syndrome associated with the use of hand-held vibrating tools, and lung cancer where there is accompanying evidence of silicosis in people in a prescribed list of occupations, be added to the list of prescribed diseases.
Regulations will be laid to implement the above recommendations from spring 1993.
The Government will be giving further consideration to the council's recommendation that other cases of carpal tunnel syndrome should be considered for benefit on a case by case basis.