§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what factors underlay his decision not to fund research into(a) noise-induced hearing loss and (b) hearing loss due to the aging process. [66857]
§ Mr. BayleyA War Pension can be awarded only for disablement which is due to service. A pension cannot be awarded for age related hearing loss alone.
There is a long standing and proven mechanism in place under the War Pension Scheme to monitor any published scientific evidence which might affect entitlement to a War Pension. The Department does not, therefore, normally fund medical research in this area.
§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the terms of reference of the review of noise-induced hearing loss to allow it to consider the level of compensation given in civilian courts to police officers and others suffering hearing loss from service-related damage. [66858]
§ Mr. BayleyNo. This would not be appropriate because civil action is based on negligence, the War Pension Scheme is a "no fault" State compensation scheme.