§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Charles George Bassett, who contracted lead poisoning while employed at the Royal Small Arms Fac- 1144 tory at Enfield, and who was discharged for absenting himself from duty while suffering from illness on the 1st November, was examined by two civilian medical officers, Dr. Ridge and Dr. Burns, of Enfield, in December last, and pronounced to be still suffering from the effects of lead poisoning; and will he, in view of this testimony, reconsider Bassett's case?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSThe honourable Member does not appear to be aware that, since the date of the certificates to which he refers, Bassett has been specifically examined by three medical men, who certify that there are now no evidences of lead poisoning present in his case, and that he is fit for the light work to which he was put, and at which he could earn good wages, but which he refused to do.
MR. POWELL WILIAMSNo doubt he was. He was upon recovery put to light work, which the medical man certified he was fit for. He refused to do it, and in consequence lost his situation.
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSHe has already been examined by three medical men within the last fortnight, with the result I have given the House.
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSI think if he made application to be allowed to return to the job which he refused the Secretary of State would be prepared to let him resume work.