HC Deb 02 October 1941 vol 374 cc695-6
19. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that John Irwin, a coal-bagger employed by the Westhoughton Industrial Co-operative Society, an ex-miner, has been passed as medically fit to return to work underground at the direction of his department; that the man was gassed in the great war and has undergone six operations; that he had to leave his employment in the pit some years ago on three occasions on medical grounds suffering from miner's cramp and sciatica; and will be cancel the direction in this case?

Mr. Bevin

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Davies

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that the statements contained in my Question are true, as I can assure him they are, will he withdraw the direction in this case, as there is no sense in sending this man back to the pit?

Mr. Bevin

I will wait and make sure.

Mr. Davies

On a point of Order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Reply to this Question—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Oh, yes—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has put a question to the Minister which is purely hypothetical.

Mr. Davies

The fact that the Minister says that he is making inquiries is unsatisfactory, in my view, Mr. Speaker.

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