§ 67. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, what is the scope of the Health and Welfare Branch of his Department; how many persons are employed, and where; and what is the relation between this branch and the corresponding branch of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. GaitskellThis Branch is a part of the Health, Safety and Training Division of my Department and has a total staff of 19 apart from 10 mines medical officers of whom the Chief and Deputy medical 2432 officers are at headquarters. In addition to inspectorial and advisory functions as regards first-aid and health requirements, undertaken by the medical officers, the duties cover broadly the formulation of policy and the fostering and development of measures for maintaining and improving the health and welfare of persons employed at coal mines and metalliferous mines and quarries, in conformity with my right hon. Friend's statutory responsibilities. Close liaison is maintained with the corresponding branch of the National Coal Board, whose interest is, of course, limited to the Board's duty towards persons in their own employment.
§ Sir J. MellorMay I congratulate the Ministry in having at last obtained some information about the National Coal Board?