§ Mr. DicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the recommendations of the Industrial Injuries Advisory 823W Council regarding hand arm vibration syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [12912]
§ Mr. Roger EvansMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has given careful consideration to the recommendations in the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council's report "Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (Vascular and Neurological Components Involving the Fingers and Thumb)", Cm 2844. The Government are not persuaded that the additional benefits to individuals would be sufficient to warrant the high administrative costs of implementing the council's recommendations. I am especially concerned about the costs associated with developing a usable, repeatable and acceptable test for diagnosing the condition and assessing a person's disability. I am confident that the council will continue its thorough work in monitoring the scientific advances and literature on this condition, as well as developments in diagnostic and assessment techniques. I will give careful consideration to any further advice it may provide.