Mr Ronald Edwards asked the Minister for Defence Support, upon notice, on 23 August 1983:

Is the Minister able to provide an analysis of claims for compensation resulting from repetitive strain injury in the Minister's Department for each of the years 1978 to 1983.

Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

Between 7 May 1982, when my Department was created, and 7 October 1983 there have been 119 compensation claims for repetitive strain injuries lodged by employees of the Department of Defence Support. Analysis of the claims reveals that:

(a) 108 claims have been determined

(b) 106 claims have resulted in liability being admitted

(c) 2 claims have been disallowed

(d) 11 claims remain outstanding

(e) 59 claims were from men and 60 were from women

(f) 9 claims were from keyboard staff

(g) 10 claims were from process workers

(h) 4 claims were from cleaning staff

(i) 6 claims were from clerical staff

(j) 17 claims were from garment making staff

(k) 15 claims were from labouring staff

(l) 3 claims were from storehouse staff

(m) 55 claims were from trades staff.