§ Mr. CLYNESasked whether the Home Secretary's attention had been called to a case of alleged lead poisoning at Pilkington's tile works, Clifton Junction, Manchester; whether the medical referee heard the medical attendant attached to the works without also hearing the medical attendant of the workpeople, and the judge therefore referred the case back; and what action his Department had taken or would take in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy attention has been called to this case. Where an appeal is made to the medical referee in a case under Section 8 of the Act both parties receive notice from the referee of the time and place of the examination and both are empowered, if they so choose, to send a representative or to make a written statement. In the present case the employer's medical man attended; the worker put in a written statement, but her medical man did not attend. The medical referee was, in these circumstances, acting in accordance with the law in deciding the case; but I understand that at the request of the judge he is about to re-open it and to hear the worker's representative. There do not appear to be any grounds on which my Department can take action in the matter.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs this the first case of lead poisoning at this place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not know.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIt is so.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe hon. Gentleman has supplied the answer as well as the question.