§ 30. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of National Insurance whether her attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Percy Wyld, of Longley Hill, Derbyshire, whose claim to industrial injury benefit has been rejected, and whether, in view of the report of the specialist appointed by her Department that Mr. Wyld was suffering from dupuytrens contraction which was directly attributable to his employment as a machine hosiery knitter, she will take steps to have this disease prescribed under Section 55 of the Industrial Injuries Act, especially as by reason of the introduction of heavier, longer and faster running machines in the hosiery industry involving considerable friction to both hands, this trade is a potential source of disablement from this disease.
§ Dr. SummerskillI have studied the reports on this case, which is the only one in this industry which has been brought to my notice. I do not think I would be justified in taking the action suggested, but if my hon. Friend has any further information about the incidence of the disease in this industry I will consider it.
§ Mr. OliverIs my right hon. Friend aware that her own specialist makes it quite clear that this disease was contracted by reason of this man's employment, and that, if she will consult the Hosiery Workers' Union, she will find that there are similar cases, though not so pronounced, and that there are cases which have been prescribed where only one or two persons in an industry have been discovered as contracting the disease by reason of their employment?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf my hon. Friend will read Section 55 (2) of the Act, he will see the conditions which have to be satisfied before a disease is prescribed.