§ 8. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Labour how many doctors have been appointed into industry under the Factories (Medical and Welfare) Order, 1940; what method of appointment is there to ensure the appointment of the most suitable candidates; and whether there is any co-ordination of this type of industrial medical work?
§ Mr. BevinSince the making of this Order the numbers of whole-time and part-time works doctors have increased by about 100 and 400 respectively and it has not so far been necessary to exercise the powers given by the Order to give directions for such appointments to be made. It is for the employer to select the doctor but the arrangements have to be such as to satisfy the inspector, of factories and while in a very few cases the appointment has proved unsatisfactory and the doctor has been relieved of his post, I am advised that generally speaking the doctors appointed are carrying out the work well and that no complaint from workmen's organisations regarding any of the appointments has reached the Senior Medical Inspector of Factories. There is substantial co-ordination of the work with outside health services, and the importance of this is stressed in Departmental advice and otherwise.