§ 47. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Medical Board under the various industries, silicosis, scheme, have refused a certificate that death was caused by silicosis in the case of the late Mr. Rees Roberts, Raven Colliery, Garnant; whether, in view of the fact that the deceased had worked for 59 years at coal mines in the anthracite coalfield and had been certified partially disabled by silicosis since 1937, he can state the reasons for the refusal to certify silicosis as the cause of death; and whether the Medical Board were satisfied that death was not accelerated by silicosis?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I understand that the post-mortem examination showed extensive cardiovascular disease and only slight silicosis, and that the board were satisfied that the silicosis could not be held to have accelerated death. The workman was 66 years old and was found last year to be suffering from silicosis in an early stage such as to cause only slight disability, but to be totally disabled owing to other physical conditions.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the report of the inquest which appeared in the South Wales newspapers it was stated that the doctors present at the post-mortem examination, who included a medical representative of the colliery company, agreed that the death was caused by silicosis; and may I ask whether the Medical Board is permitted under the regulations to certify that death is accelerated by silicosis and whether a claim would rest in such a case?
§ Mr. LloydThe board can take the view that death is accelerated by silicosis, and in a case of that kind they would 3080 bear that fact very much in mind, but in this case they came very definitely to the conclusion that death was due to heart disease and arterio-sclerosis was not accelerated by silicosis.
§ Mr. GriffithsMay I ask whether it is not possible under the general provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts to claim compensation even though death be not caused by an accident but is accelerated by it; whether the Medical Board can certify that though death was not caused by silicosis it was accelerated by it; and, if the board have such powers whether the hon. Gentleman will take such steps to alter the certificate so that the board can certify that death was accelerated by silicosis and thus make possible a claim for compensation?
§ Mr. LloydI should not like to make a considered statement on that point to-day, but I will look into it.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. Gentleman let me know?