§ 26. Mr. TINKERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons 544 who have suffered from industrial disease and recovered from it are in many cases not allowed to restart work again in the same employment, and when they are engaged by another employer and state that they have had industrial disease are dismissed; and whether he will consider amending the Workmen's Compensation Act so as to remove that part which says a person must disclose that he has suffered from industrial disease?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I indicated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member on 28th June last, the issue is by no means a simple one. It may not even be in the workman's own interest if he has shown a special susceptibility to some disease that he should return to his old work, and full inquiry would be necessary before amending legislation could be considered.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very great problem in the view of the workmen, and, while he is considering the point about doctors which was raised on Question 23, will he also consider this matter, because I think the law requires some alteration?
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great hardships in connection with this matter which arise in all mining districts, especially in cases of nystagmus?
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWIs the right hon. Gentleman further aware that there is a certain amount of hardship in connection with silicosis?