HC Deb 24 January 1995 vol 253 c131W
Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applicants for benefit under the chronic bronchitis and emphysema regulations were turned down because the X-ray did not show category 1 pneumoconiosis; and of these in how many a post mortem examination revealed evidence of pneumoconiosis.

Mr. Hague

By 30 November 1994, 14,600 out of 44,594 claims for benefit had been disallowed because an X-ray did not show at least category 1 pneumoconiosis. The information requested in respect of post mortem examinations is not available.

Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applicants for benefit under the chronic bronchitis and emphysema regulations had to obtain fresh X-rays because of over-exposure of previous X-rays.

Mr. Hague

Any necessary X-rays are obtained by the Benefits Agency. Information on the number of any new X-rays required because of over-exposure of previous X-rays is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applicants for benefit under the chronic bronchitis and emphysema regulations received new X-rays before examination.

Mr. Hague

The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.