HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 cc1385-7
24. Mr. McCorquodale

asked the Minister of Labour to make a statement as to his plans for the development of industrial health services.

Sir W. Monckton

I am glad to inform the House that, following discussions with my Ministerial colleagues and consultations with industry through the National Joint Advisory Council and with medical and other organisations, I have now decided to take steps to stimulate the further development of industrial health services in workplaces covered by the Factories Acts. These services include the provision of good environmental conditions at the place of work, of protection against industrial disease, of adequate medical and nursing supervision, and first-aid.

To advise me on this development, I am appointing a standing Industrial Health Advisory Committee, and am inviting the appropriate industrial and other organisations to nominate members. I propose to circulate a list of these organisations in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Representatives of interested Government Departments will attend meetings of the committee.

It is my intention, with the assistance of this committee, to carry out a review to ascertain where industrial health services most need to be extended and to promote surveys and field investigations to determine the need for preventive measures or research. The general aim will be, in close co-ordination with the preventive and curative health services provided by statutory bodies, to develop industrial health services on a voluntary basis, but I shall also consider, in appropriate cases, and after full consultation with the parties concerned, making use of my statutory powers under the Factories Acts.

I welcome the work already done in industry, both voluntarily and under the Factories Acts, and I am sure that the further development of industrial health services fostered in this way can make a material contribution to our social and economic progress.

Mr. McCorquodale

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for his statement, which we all welcome, may I ask him whether his plans have the support not only of both sides of industry but of the medical profession as well and whether he will use his best endeavours with the Leader of the House to see that we have an opportunity in due course properly to debate these matters?

Sir W. Monckton

From the consultations I have had I think I can claim that, while there are naturally differences of view as to how this problem ought to be tackled, all the organisations concerned, including the British Medical Association, regard this as a useful step forward and have promised to co-operate.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure the House that there is no intention to isolate the industrial health service from the National Health Service but rather to encourage the co-operation and coordination of these two services, in their very important work? Can he make a statement as to the possibility of a debate?

Sir W. Monckton

Nothing that has been done is more than a step forward. It does not prejudice whatever may be the final way of dealing with these matters on a national basis. I look for, and I know I shall get, the co-operation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. The matter of a debate is hardly one for me to decide, but I shall do nothing to prevent it.

Mr. Isaacs

In carrying forward this scheme, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take care that there is adequate consultation with the joint industrial councils as well as with the established organisations on both sides of industry, and especially that contact is made with joint works committees of different kinds throughout the country, as this is the best means of getting co-operation?

Sir W. Monckton

Yes. I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I will certainly bear those points in mind.

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