§ 83. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health for what reason his Department refused to sanction the payment of compensation to miners resident in the area of the Wath-upon-Dearne Urban District Council who were prevented from working, owing to the danger of infection from small-pox?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend is advised that it was not necessary, with a view to preventing the spread of infection, for these men to cease their employment. It is understood, however, that the local authority admit their responsibility for the advice given to the men to cease work, and desire accordingly to pay reasonable compensation. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friend is willing to consider further representations from the authority on the question of sanction.
§ Colonel DAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the medical officer of health of the locality was incorrect when he stated that these men were liable to infection if they went to work?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, I make no such statement.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre there any good reasons why these men should not be given work while there is small-pox? We cannot prevent them walking about the streets.
§ Sir K. WOODI have already stated that it is not necessary to prevent these men going to work.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman think that the medical officer of health is entirely wrong?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. I have already stated that I make no comment on the action of the medical officer one way or the other.