§ 64. Mr. MUGGERIDGEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the death at the age of 50 of an employé of the Cape Asbestos Works, Barking, and to the medical evidence given at the inquest on 16th June last to the effect that a post-mortem showed definitely that the deceased was suffering from asbestosis; and whether he will take steps to amend the medical arrangement scheme made under the Silicosis (Asbestosis) Acts, 1925 and 1930, so as to apply to packers, the occupation in which this man was employed?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend has received a report by the medical inspector who attended the inquest. This shows that while the death was due to cancer, asbestosis of the lungs was also present. My hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered, but no danger has hitherto been apprehended from the packing of the manufactured materials, and the matter must be fully investigated before any conclusion is reached.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that two doctors certified at the inquest that, had this person not died from another disease, he would have died from asbestosis? [Interruption.] Is this a laughing matter?