HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc25-6
44. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any provision for an appeal against a decision of the Silicosis Board where there is a conflict of evidence between the Board's medical advisers and that of other medical experts; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of making such provision at an early date?

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. There is no provision for appeal. The members of the Board have unrivalled experience in the diagnosis of silicosis, and I fail to see what better final authority one could have.

Mr. Tomlinson

Is the Minister so convinced of the infallibility of these particular medical advisers that he believes they can never be wrong?

Mr. Peake

I would only say that a very high tribute was paid to the Silicosis Board by the representatives of the Trades Union Congress in their evidence before the Royal Commission.

Mr. Tomlinson

If these same representatives were to present the case which I presented some little time ago to the Minister, would he be prepared to give it further consideration?

Mr. Peake

I will certainly look into any case the hon. Member sends me.