HC Deb 24 June 1907 vol 176 cc884-5
MR. FERENS (Hull, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in considering arrangements for the appointment of medical referees, under the new Work men's Compensation Act, he will consider the propriety of appointing competent lady practitioners, having regard to the large number of females who now come under the Act as domestic servants and otherwise.

MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD (Leicester)

At the same time may I ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the increased number of female workers affected by the new Workmen's Compensation Act, it is proposed that at least one medical referee in each district should be a woman doctor?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE, Leeds, W.)

The question of appointing women medical referees for the purposes of the new Workmen's Compensation Act is under my consideration.

MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be in a position to make a statement on the subject?

MR. GLADSTONE

Probably on the Home Office Vote.