§ 43. Dr. Barnett Strossasked the Minister of National Insurance whether she will instruct the silicosis and pneumoconiosis medical boards to notify each case of silicosis or pneumoconiosis to the appropriate factory inspector, in order that inspection can be carried out and improvements effected.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service about continuing the arrangements for co-operation with the factory inspectorate which existed under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
§ Dr. StrossIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is evidence that there is room for considerable improvement in some factories where dust exists and where, perhaps, the regulations are not always very well observed; and that factory inspectors cannot be helpful in this or any other case unless they know about the case as soon as it is diagnosed?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think my hon. Friend will be satisfied with the arrangements that we are now making, but I am sure he must realise that we must bear in mind the confidential nature of the communication which we have from the patient.
§ Mr. A. Edward DaviesWhen the Minister communicates with her right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, will she satisfy herself that there are enough factory inspectors to do this job?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.