asked the Minister of National Insurance if she proposes to amend the relevant regulations to bring within the scope of the Industrial Injuries Act all foundry workers who suffer from a pneumoconiotic condition as a result of being engaged in any process in or around a foundry.

Pneumoconiosis is already prescribed in respect of a number of foundry processes where medical evidence indicates there is a risk of contracting the disease, and I am now considering an extension of the scope of the regulations. If my hon. Friend has further processes in mind, perhaps he will let me know.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that reply will give considerable satisfaction? Is she also aware that there is a great deal of evidence of the spread of pneumoconiosis and silicosis in other processes than those prescribed by the regulations? Would it not be much simpler and more just if, instead of having to prescribe processes, the basis for eligibility were to be made the existence of the disease in a foundry worker?

I am quite prepared to examine that.

Could the Minister state what procedure is adopted before a disease is regarded as an industrial disease and is liable to be brought under the Industrial Injuries Act?

We have to have convincing medical evidence that it can be attributed to the process.

Is the Minister aware that this position was being considered by her predecessor? Can she give the House any idea when she will be able to make a decision on the point?

I am actively considering it now.