71. Dr. DAVIESasked the Home Secretary if the senior medical inspector of factories has reported to him on the tannic acid treatment for burns; and, if so, what decision has been arrived at with regard to its use in factories and workshops?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Short)Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received a report from the Senior Medical Inspector. His conclusion reached after careful inquiry, is that this 2166 form of treatment is not suitable generally for the first aid treatment of burns at a factory or workshop. It can only be properly given in works where there is an ambulance room properly equipped and in charge of a properly qualified person, and in the treatment of minor burns it has no advantage over sterilised burn dressings. In the case of severe burns it may be valuable where the patient cannot be moved to hospital without considerable delay, but otherwise the protection of the burn by a simple dressing is the proper procedure. He does not, therefore, advise any modification of the existing instructions.
Dr. DAVIESWill the hon. Gentleman inform the Home Secretary that there is a very large body of medical opinion which totally disagrees with the advice that has been tendered to him?
§ Mr. SANDERSWould the hon. Gentleman inform the Home Secretary that there is always a considerable amount of dissension in medical circles on all questions?