§ 15. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to cases where mine workers who have been suffering from nystagmus have been declared recovered by the medical referee and fit to resume their former occupation, but have been refused employment on the grounds that they are liable to contract nystagmus again; and will he consider amending the Workmen's Compensation Act so as to entitle them to compensation when they can prove they are deprived of employment because of having suffered from this disease?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNystagmus is not the only injury or disease in view of which employers may be unwilling to take the risk of re-engaging the workman for his old work when he has become physically fit for it; and the question whether in such circumstances it is desirable, and indeed in his own interests, that the workman should be entitled to further compensation is by no means a simple one. Various other proposals have been made for modifying the conditions under which compensation is payable for this disease, and a full inquiry would be necessary before the question of amending legislation could be considered.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the Minister aware that the House of Lords on 11th June decided a case of this character and that it is imperative that something should be done, because the men have no right to claim compensation and cannot get work when they are suffering from this disease? Surely the time has come when we should protect men in cases like these?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf I were satisfied that there was a general demand in the mining industry for an inquiry into this subject, I would be prepared to set up a committee.