HC Deb 21 May 1992 vol 208 c240W
Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to extend the industries and occupations to which claims for disablement benefit arising from vibration white finger can be made; and whether he will make a statement.

(2) when he expects the review by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council into the current terms of prescription for hand/arm vibration syndromes to be published; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Widdecombe

I am advised on occupational diseases by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. The council is expected to report on hand/arm vibration syndrome, which includes vibration white finger, towards the end of this year. We have no plans at present to extend current provisions for this condition.

Mr. Hutton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage disability was awarded for each person granted disablement benefit as a consequence of vibration white finger during the last 12-month period for which statistics are available.

Miss Widdecombe

Information about awards of disablement benefit are a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

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