HC Deb 09 March 2000 vol 345 cc804-5W
Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many workers and former workers in the power industry received awards for asbestos-related diseases in the last year for which figures are available; and how many deaths from asbestos-related diseases occurred in this sector for the same period. [113330]

Mr. Bayley

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

Awards of industrial injuries disablement benefit for asbestos related prescribed diseases in the generation, production and distribution of electricity
Period Number
January to September 1999 50
January to December 1998 57

Notes:

1. The following prescribed diseases have been used when identifying asbestos related diseases:

D1—Pneumoconiosis (in the asbestos industry).

D3—Diffuse mesothelioma.

D8—Primary carcinoma of the lung with accompanying evidence of 1 or both (a) asbestosis (b) unilateral or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening.

D9—Unilateral or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening.

2. D1 and D3 are paid from 1 per cent. disablement, and D8 and D9 are paid from 14 per cent. disablement.

3. Figures are based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) of economic activities 1992 and the following has been used: 40.10—Production and distribution of electricity; Electricity generation.

4. These figures are based on a 100 per cent. count of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit initial assessments.

5. Figures for 1999 are for nine months only. December 1999 quarterly figures are not yet available.

6. The number of deaths related to this sector resulting from asbestos-related prescribed diseases is not available.

Source:

Analytical Services Division.