§ 25. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give a direction, under Section 7 of the Gas Act, 1948, to the Gas Council to establish in each area of the gas industry a full-time industrial medical staff as part of a comprehensive health service for the industry.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)As at present advised. I do not think that this is necessary.
§ Mr. SwinglerHas the Minister inquired of the Gas Council into this situation? Is he aware that only four of the 12 area boards at present have full-time industrial medical staff and that recent first-aid competitions between the boards have revealed the high value of having a full-time medical staff under the boards, and that there is a great need for research into industrial disease in the gas industry? 578 Will the right hon. Gentleman not consult the Gas Council again about promoting this aim?
§ Mr. LloydI am in favour of the development of a proper industrial health service but we ought to bear in mind that for some boards, with small and scattered installations, it would not perhaps be the best plan to have a full-time medical officer, but it might be better to rely upon local medical practitioners. If the hon. Member would like to bring any specific information to my attention, I should be grateful to have it.
§ Mr. ManuelWill the Minister remember that although there may be small, scattered installations, there is always the possibility of accident happening in gassing tragedies among workmen during excavation and other work? Should not the right hon. Gentleman follow out the lines of my hon. Friend's suggestion by seeing that someone is appointed who would at least set up good first-aid equipment in each of the smaller works?
§ Mr. LloydFirst-aid equipment is a quite separate question. It must also be remembered that if we are to rely on a full-time medical officer, there is a danger that far too much of his time would be spent in travelling to the different installations over the whole area.