§ 29. Mr. Daggarasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in Abertill[...]ry and district, men suffering from silicosis are unable to receive compensation payment because of the absence of facilities to appear before medical boards although not fit to follow their employment since April of this year; and will he expedite these examinations.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am aware that the number of applications to the Silicosis Medical Board for certificates under the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Scheme for coal miners in South Wales and Monmouthshire has, for some time past, considerably exceeded the capacity of the Medical Board to deal with them and that in consequence delay has been unavoidable. In recent weeks additional doctors have been appointed to the Board in South Wales with a view to expediting the examinations, but I am afraid that some time must elapse before the arrears are overtaken.
§ Mr. DaggarWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that quite a number of these men are not entitled to national health insurance, and that they, therefore, become a charge on the Unemployment Assistance Board? Will he, therefore, expedite the examination?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will give that point consideration. Part of the problem is that there is a large number of applications, many of which will, I am afraid, be rejected, thus rather jamming the 2523 machine, coupled with the difficulty of getting doctors. I am anxious to do all I can to meet the point raised by my hon. Friend.