§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend the current definition of pneumoconiosis in the social security legislation to include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
§ Mr. ScottNone. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are separate diseases and could not be included within a definition of pneumoconiosis.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications were received from miners(a) over and (b) under 70 years of age for 106W disablement assessment under the Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Regulations; how many applications have been processed to date; and how many were successful.
§ Mr. ScottThe total number of claims received by 8 May 1994 was about 43,300. Up to the end of the first phase of the take-on (6 February), about 22,500 claims were from miners and ex-miners over 70; since that date, those over 70 have been included in the overall claims figures. Of about 31,400 claims processed to date, about 3,200 were assessed as 14 per cent. or more disabled. Figures are based on a 100 per cent. count and subject to amendment.