HC Deb 04 July 1923 vol 166 c422
32. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the request for the inclusion of eyesight failure in the Workmen's Compensation Act, his Department possesses any reliable record showing how the individual senses are affected by particular industries; and whether in such cases steps are taken to differentiate at any stage between failure due to advancing years and failure due to conditions of work?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for HOME AFFAIRS (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson)

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Department is in possession of a great deal of information as to diseases and affections which are caused by particular industries and processes; but so far as regards failure of eyesight, such as shortsightedness or other kinds of eye strain, it would not be possible to differentiate between the effects of the conditions of work, advancing years and other possible causes.

Viscount CURZON

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer apply to the case of railwaymen disabled by injured eyesight?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As my Noble and gallant Friend knows, certain afflictions of the eye are already included under the Act of 1906 and they are being added to.