39. Miss Wardasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the need for affording every protection for miners against accident, he will issue instructions that every man who is returning to the pits under the new Registration Order is to be medically examined?
§ Mr. GrenfellIn order to secure uniformity and speed in the urgently-needed return of men to the pits under the registration scheme, the question of medical examination is determined in each case by officers of the Ministry of Labour and National Service on the facts brought to their notice at the interview.
Miss WardDoes my hon. Friend not consider that on arrival at the pits such men should undergo examination, having regard to the safety of the men already working at the pits?
§ Mr. GrenfellIt is not a matter of safety at all. It is not usual to examine the men seeking employment at a colliery.
Miss WardWhat is the reason for the differentiation in Government policy, in view of the fact that girls who are engaged for work in factories are examined by doctors paid by the Government?
§ Mr. GrenfellSometimes there is some doubt about the fitness of men engaged in work of this character, apart from the question of safety. If the men themselves want to be examined, they are examined.