Written question asked by Peter Soulsby (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 2009. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 November 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Industrial Injuries: Mining

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will bring forward legislative proposals to extend to (a) those who have been employed to maintain or repair boilers and (b) others in occupations which involve working in confined spaces, the provisions which relate to industrial injuries disablement benefit for those coal miners diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Answer: The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) is the scientific body with the statutory role of advising Ministers on the list of prescribed diseases under the Industrial Injures Disablement Benefit scheme, and in particular which diseases and occupations should be prescribed for industrial injuries disablement benefit purposes.IIAC, through its research working group and scientific adviser, continually reviews the current scientific literature to see if the necessary level of proof may have become available with regard to diseases and occupations not currently included or if further consideration is required in respect of those already listed.IIAC will revisit any subject if new, sound and consistent scientific evidence becomes available, and will be happy to receive any such evidence. The Government will give careful consideration to any advice the council may provide, and consider legislative proposals in the light of that advice.

Secondary information