asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make self-employed veterinary surgeons who contract brucellosis in the course of their duties eligible for industrial injuries pension.

No. It is a fundamental principle of the industrial injuries scheme that it provides benefits only for persons who are employed earners. However, following the report of the Royal Commission on civil liability and compensation for personal injury, a general review of the scheme is being carried out by officials. One of the many questions under consideration is whether cover should be extended to self-employed persons. My right hon. Friend will make a statement about the outcome of the review in due course.