§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a certifying surgeon under the Compensation Act can also act as the private medical inspector to a firm whose sole business is in lead-smelting?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I am not sure that I understand what the hon. Member means by the certifying 864 surgeon acting as "private medical inspector." If he means that he makes, the periodical examinations of workpeople under the lead-smelting regulations, this is one of his duties as certifying surgeon. If, on the other hand, he means that the certifying surgeon acts as the medical adviser to the firm, the reply is that the certifying surgeon is not prohibited from acting in the capacity of adviser either to an employer or to an association of workpeople. It would not be possible to lay down such a rule, though this consideration is borne in mind in making appointments, because in industrial districts it is often difficult to find a well-qualified man who does not hold some appointment in connection with employers or associations of workpeople. The Department is always prepared to inquire into any case of grievance that may be brought to its notice.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIn the districts where there is sufficient work for the certifying surgeons would it not be possible to make a beginning with whole-time officials instead of part-time officials?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will inquire as to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.