HC Deb 21 July 1993 vol 229 cc276-7W
Mr. Watson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many recorded cases there were of the diseases mesothelioma, asbestosis and bilateral diffuse pleural thickening in each year since 1988 in England and Wales; and within each figure, what percentage was female.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

[holding answer 20 July 1993]: The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available from the Department of Social Security is contained in the following table:

Mesothelioma Asbestosis Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening
Total Per cent. Female Total Per cent. Female Total Per cent. Female
1988 406 n/a 160 n/a 109 n/a
1989 386 n/a 193 n/a 104 n/a
1990 409 3 216 3 124 nil
1991 461 4 262 2 127 nil
1992 474 3 258 3 129 2

The information is based on claims for industrial injuries disablement benefit subsequently referred to a medical boarding centre situated in England or Wales.

The percentage figure for females is not available for 1988 and 1989.