HC Deb 06 November 2001 vol 374 c195W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to amend the industrial injuries disablement benefit qualifications to include those unable to work through conditions caused through work processes but which are not the result of an accident or prescribed disease; and if he will make a statement. [13041]

Malcolm Wicks

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council considered the question of injury by process in 1981. At that time it felt unable to recommend any changes to the industrial injuries scheme to allow claims in these circumstances, because the medical knowledge which could connect a process with a non-prescribed disease is not generally available. The council looked again at the issue in 1995 but was still unable to recommend any changes to the scheme.

The council continues to monitor the position but we have no current plans to change the existing legislation.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for industrial injuries disablement benefit have been refused each year since 1995 as a result of the applicant's condition being caused through work processes and not as a result of an accident or prescribed disease; and if he will make a statement.[13042]

Malcolm Wicks

The information is not available.