HC Deb 03 March 1925 vol 181 cc208-10
22. Mr. B. SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to prepare and supply statistics regarding health, as apart from mortality, in the mercantile marine service; whether there is a medical officer in his office and a special department dealing with problems of health and diseases in the service; whether the classification of diseases causing death issued by the Board of Trade can be brought into line with the more scientific classification adopted in the Royal Navy, and further information given regarding the population concerned, so that death rates may be calculated?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Questions relating to the health and diseases of merchant seamen are dealt with by the Mercantile Marine Department of the Board of Trade in consultation with the Ministry of Health. The Mercantile Marine Department has a staff of qualified medical officers. The question of modifying the classification of diseases in the statistics of the deaths of seamen issued by the Board of Trade is under consideration. As regards the preparation of statistics relating to the health, as apart from mortality, of merchant seamen, if the hon. Member will indicate more precisely the kind of statistics he has in mind, I will consider whether anything can be done.

Mr. SMITH

I will undertake to send the right hon. Gentleman a list of what I want.

51. Mr. SMITH

further asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the transfer from the Board of Trade to the Minister of Health of all questions affecting the health of seamen?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

The change which the hon. Member suggests would require legislation, and I do not think it is necessary or desirable. The Board of Trade is in close touch with the Ministry of Health on all matters affecting the health of seamen.

Mr. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible for any analytically-minded person to get out the details as to the origin of and the diseases suffered by British seamen? Is he aware that in the Navy they have already done this to the satisfaction of the Navy, and will he agree to adopt the same system in regard to merchant seamen?

The PRIME MINISTER

That side of the question put by the hon. Member had not been brought to my attention.