To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the benefit recommended by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council for underground coal miners with emphysema and chronic bronchitis will be paid to the widows or other dependants of men suffering from these diseases who have died since the IIAC's report was submitted to him in August 1992.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 29 March that regulations will be introduced to prescribe chronic bronchitis and emphysema as industrial diseases in relation to underground coal miners with effect from 13 September 1993. Industrial injuries disablement benefit is not payable for periods prior to the date of prescription of an industrial disease.