HC Deb 02 March 1910 vol 14 cc835-6
Mr. CLYNES

asked 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. CHURCHILL

My 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. WEDGWOOD

Is this the first case of lead poisoning at this place?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not know.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

It is so.

Mr. CHURCHILL

The hon. Gentleman has supplied the answer as well as the question.