asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial diseases have been prescribed, apart from industrial deafness, over the period 1973–74.

I have been asked to reply.Since the beginning of 1973 cancer of the epithelial lining of the urethra has been added to the schedule of prescribed diseases, and the prescription of byssinosis has been widened by the inclusion of spinners, winders and beamers, the abolition of the "permanent" disablement condition and a reduction in the required qualifying period of employment in the industry from 10 years to five years.