§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims of disablement benefit in respect of chronic bronchitis or emphysema have been made by persons currently on income support benefit since September 1993; how many of these claims have been successful; and in which circumstances it can be financially advantageous for those suffering from chronic bronchitis or emphysema to be successful in claiming disablement benefit.
§ Mr. ScottThe information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Industrial injuries disablement benefit is payable in addition to other incapacity and disability benefits, but is taken into account in assessing entitlement to income-related benefits.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he will take to ensure that those in receipt of chronic bronchitis or emphysema disablement benefit receive this payment as compensation for a prescribed disease or illness which they have suffered.
§ Mr. ScottThe industrial injuries scheme provides non-contributory, non means-tested, tax-free benefits on a no-fault basis to workers disabled by industrial accidents or prescribed diseases. Industrial injuries disablement benefit in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as prescribed, is payable on this basis.