HC Deb 27 June 1950 vol 476 c2069
3. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women are registered as disabled in Stoke-on-Trent; and of these how many are so disabled and unemployed as a result of pneumoconiosis.

Mr. Isaacs

Nine thousand and forty-seven persons (8,300 men and 747 women) were registered as disabled at the four employment exchanges in the Stoke-on-Trent area on 17th April, 1950; and of these 276 men and two women were registered as disabled by pneumoconiosis, including silicosis. Of those disabled by pneumoconiosis, the number unemployed was 30. They were all men, and 23 of them were coalminers.

4. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women are employed in Stoke-on-Trent in Remploy factories, giving the numbers in each case, and the type of disablement the workers suffer from.

Mr. Isaacs

One hundred and seventy-one men and 11 women are employed in Remploy factories in the Stoke-on-Trent area. I am sending my hon. Friend the further particulars for which he asks.

Dr. Stross

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he is aware that in the Stoke-on-Trent area the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is higher than in most places in the country? Would he look with sympathy on the proposition that we require a sheltered industry for those who suffer from this disease?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, such sheltered industry is provided in one or two other places in the country, and I should be glad to look into any cases my hon. Friend sends to me.