HC Deb 17 February 1926 vol 191 cc1923-5
59. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of women who are signing at the Govan Employment Exchange have been called upon to undergo a medical examination by medical doctors at the Exchange; whether he can state the reasons for this course and its purpose; whether the medical examination is compulsory on those called to undergo it; if not, whether women so called upon can refuse without prejudice to their claims for benefit; and whether he can state under which Statute these powers are operated by his Department?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I presume the hon. Member refers to a test which is being carried out with my consent by the Industrial Research Fatigue Board. Acceptance of the test, which is carried out by a woman doctor and a woman assistant, is absolutely voluntary, and does not affect benefit in any way. The proposal of the Board was considered by a conference of women representatives of local employment committees in Glasgow who considered that it would be useful.

Mr. MACLEAN

Are we to take it that women who are going to the Exchanges are told that they are to be examined by a lady doctor without being told it is voluntary, and being led to assume that, if they do not undergo this medical examination, their claim to benefit will be prejudiced, and probably disallowed; and, further, since this has been done with the right hon. Gentleman's consent, will he now withdraw that consent and have the Exchange used for the purpose for which it ought to be used, that is, finding unemployed people employment, and not allow—[Interruption.] Are these the gentlemen of England.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is rather too long with his supplementary questions. He really must have consideration for others.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

It is a very serious matter.

Mr. MACLEAN

But I want to point out this is really a very serious matter. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order."] It is not a serious matter to men who are well paid.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should wait to hear the reply of the Minister.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The hon. Member must not draw the inference that women are led to undergo any examination without being told it is voluntary on their part. I will undertake to make inquiries, or, rather, to send down in order to ensure chat it shall be made quite clear that it shall be entirely voluntary and unconnected with benefit. On the other hand, I am always willing to say that inquiries by the Research Board are for the general good, and I should be very sorry to stop them.

Mr. MACLEAN

I want to know by what right the Ministry of Labour puts this particular examination upon the women who are going to these Exchanges for unemployment benefit. If the right hon. Gentleman cannot answer that satisfactorily, I am going to move the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Would you like your women to be examined?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has all eady said, in reply to the hon. Member, that he will send word to make it quite clear that this is entirely voluntary.

Mr. MACLEAN

I wish to ask the Minister of Labour what right his Department has in asking those women, even voluntarily, to undergo this examination in a Government office that is set aside for a specific purpose?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

My reply is ichat it is a perfectly right and proper thing at the proper request of any citizen to do what is a service to the general community.

Mr. MACLEAN

I give notice that at the conclusion of Questions, I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.