HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1023-4
2. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the growing practice of employers to engage medical officers to examine prospective employees; that this practice tends to transfer the determination of employment into the hands of the doctors, increases unemployment and must create a pool of permanently unemployed persons especially if the medical fitness required is of a progressively high standard; and whether he will consider this problem?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

It is my policy to encourage the greater use of doctors' services in industrial establishments in the interest of the medical welfare of the employees. I have no evidence that this is leading to the imposition of unnecessarily high standards of physical fitness in prospective employees.

Mr. Davies

Will my right hon. Friend inquire whether pressure is brought to bear upon employers by the premium insurance companies dealing with workmen's compensation so as to avoid compensation risks by throwing out certain persons who would otherwise be eligible for employment?

Mr. Bevin

I could not undertake an inquiry into that at this stage, but, if my hon. Friend has any knowledge of any such cases, I should be glad to consider it.

Mr. Tinker

What steps does my right hon. Friend take, if a man does not pass a doctor, to provide suitable employment?

Mr. Bevin

I have an arrangement with my right hon. Friend that, if a man passes out through injury or is unsuitable to go back into the employment, I take him over immediately for training for some other employment.