HC Deb 22 April 1947 vol 436 cc784-5
8. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will explain the delay in answering inquiries by Mr. Washer, Plynlimmon, Chelsfield, Kent, particulars of which have been sent to him; and if he will take steps to deal with the matter immediately.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The particulars which the hon. Member sent me related to an inquiry by Mrs. Washer about her future position, and not by her husband. A reply was sent to Mrs. Washer on 15th April. She has also been seen by an inspector of the department who has explained the position to her. The delay in answering her inquiry is regretted. It was due to the very heavy number of inquiries regarding pensions received by my Department in recent months.

Sir W. Smithers

When will the Minister realise that a breakdown in administration is inevitable under State control? Will he take disciplinary action against those responsible for this inhuman treatment, and will he revert, as soon as possible, to this scheme being operated with the help of the friendly and approved societies?

Mr. Griffiths

I regret the delay, but I would point out that this scheme has never been administered by the approved societies, but by the administrative machine which I now have to use.

9. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of National Insurance why no reply has been received to communications sent by Mr. C. Carter, 16, Wickham Court Road, West Wickham, Kent, to his Department at Blackpool on 13th January, 17th February and 14th March; and if he will arrange for the matter to be dealt with immediately.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Mr. Carter's inquiry has now been dealt with, and he has been accepted as a voluntary contributor. I am having the handling of this case fully investigated, and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

Sir W. Smithers

May I, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, repeat my supplementary question on the previous Question?

14. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of National Insurance if his attention has been drawn to the case of Daniel McPherson, 31, Randolph Street, Cowden-beath, Fife, who claims to be suffering from pneumoconiosis which leaves him quite unfit for employment; and why this man is refused the treatment and compensation to which anyone suffering from pneumoconiosis is entitled.

Mr. J. Griffiths

My attention has been drawn to this case by the hon. Member on previous occasions. Mr. McPherson applied to the Silicosis Medical Board for a certificate that he was suffering from pneumoconiosis in April, 1946, and again in September, but on each occasion the Board, after clinical and X-ray examination, were unable to diagnose pneumoconiosis and consequently had to refuse a certificate. The Board's decision, which is given on the authority of not less than two members of the Board who are specially qualified to make a diagnosis of this disease, is conclusive for purposes of a claim to compensation.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that this man is totally incapacitated and that there is no question of any other complaint? Is he aware that the official statement sent in by his own doctor says there is a suggestion of pneumoconiosis? How can there be a suggestion of pneumoconiosis unless there are indications of pneumoconiosis?

Mr. Griffiths

The Silicosis Medical Board, with which I happen to have had a good deal of experience, has two functions, first, to diagnose this disease, and, secondly, to decide whether the disease incapacitates the worker, and if so, to what degree. In this case, a third application has been made by Mr. McPherson, and he will be examined in the near future. Perhaps the hon. Member will await the decision of the Board.

Mr. Gallacher

I hope that they will do a good job this time.