§ 11. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a number of cases in coal mining of men being incapacitated and unable to follow their employment through what is known as Dupuytren's contraction, fingers contracting on to the palm of the hand; and will he consider having this scheduled in the industrial diseases?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe question of giving workmen's compensation for Dupuytren's contraction was fully enquired into in 1913 by the Committee on Compensation for Industrial Diseases, who took evidence from the Miners' Federation and others. The committee found that there was no established connection between this condition and the workmen's employment which would justify its being scheduled; and since then no evidence has come to my notice to suggest that their conclusions ought to be reconsidered.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently in Lancashire several cases of people suffering from this disease have been brought to our notice, and will he further consider the matter if more evidence is brought to his attention?
§ Sir J. GILM0URCertainly, if the hon. Member can produce any fresh evidence I will consider it.