HC Deb 01 February 1949 vol 460 cc1488-9
11. Dr. Barnett Stross

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many men in the North Staffordshire coalfield have been examined since 5th July, 1948, by the Silicosis Medical Board; in how many cases have the men been advised that they are suffering from pneumoconiosis or silicosis or silicotuberculosis, and how many of these have been further advised that they may continue their former work or alternative work; and in what instances had this advice been accepted.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. Steele)

During the period from 5th July, 1948, to 31st December, 1948, 28 miners employed in North Staffordshire were examined by the Pneumoconiosis Medical Board under the Industrial Injuries Act, and 23 were found to be suffering from pneumoconiosis. Of these, nine were advised that they could continue in the coalmining industry under approved conditions, and five said they proposed to do so. During the same period, 35 men were examined in connection with claims under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. Of these, 15 were found to be suffering from the disease to a dangerous degree and were suspended.

Dr. Stross

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is an accepted principle that in all cases where men are advised that they may return to work they will be protected against excessive dust in the mine which contributed to or caused the original pneumoconiosis?

Mr. Steele

The medical board advise these people that they can return to work under approved conditions, and we are in consultation with the National Coal Board and its mine inspectors to ensure that these approved conditions will be maintained.

12. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many men and women have been examined by the Silicosis Medical Board since 5th July, 1948, in the pottery industry in North Staffordshire; how many of those examined have been found to be suffering from silicosis or silico-tuberculosis; how many of those found suffering have been advised that they may return to their former work or alternative work; and how many have accepted this advice.

Mr. Steele

During the period from 5th July, 1948, to 31st December, 1948, 489 persons employed in the pottery industry in North Staffordshire were examined, either on a claim to benefit or on an initial or periodical examination, by the Pneumoconiosis Medical Board, of whom 40 were found to be suffering from pneumoconiosis. None of them were advised to return to their former work; but nine of them, being skilled men, have said they intend to do so.

Dr. Stross

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is intended to see that the men have some protection after return to work, particularly in view of the fact that silicosis amongst potters can advance very rapidly, even when such protection is given, and obviously very much more actively when they are not so protected?

Mr. Steele

None of the men who have pneumoconiosis is advised to return to work. It lies with the medical board whether or not to suspend the men. There are no similar conditions in pottery as in mining, for which we have approved conditions.

Mr. A. Edward Davies

If it is impossible for potters and some miners to return to their former occupations, can consideration be given to providing them with alternative employment? Is experience in other parts of the country being made available to the area by means of the setting up of disabled persons schemes?

Mr. Steele

That is very much in the mind of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour who is concerned with that aspect of the problem.