§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of repetitive strain injury were identified in England in (i) 1995 and (ii) 1996. [5303]
§ Ms JowellThe Department of Health does not collect data on repetitive strain injuries (some of which are known as upper limb disorders). However, evidence from a survey on occupational ill health, carried out for the Health and Safety Executive as a supplement to the 1990 Labour Force Survey, suggests that in the year around 110,000 people in England and Wales believed that they had upper limb disorders caused by work. A new survey of work related illness was made in 1995–96 and the full results will be available early in 1998. Data are also available on some conditions which are prescribed under the Industrial Injuries Scheme. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.