HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc1002-3
36. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether the Departmental Committee appointed in June, 1947, to advise him on the exercise of his powers relating to industrial diseases under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946, has yet submitted its report; and whether he will publish such a report together with the evidence submitted to the committee.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I have not yet received the report of the Committee to which the hon. Member refers. When I receive it I will consider the question of publication, but it is not usual to publish the evidence submitted to committees of this nature.

Mr. Platts-Mills

As the Minister has had perforce to issue regulations to make the Act workable before receiving the report of the Dale Committee, would he consider again the form of the regulations when he has received the report, particularly with regard to the question of whether pneumoconiosis and silicosis, and other comparable diseases, should not be treated on the same footing as other industrial diseases?

Mr. Griffiths

When I announced the setting up of a committee, I said that when the report was available I would consider it with its full implications upon this type of industrial diseases.