HC Deb 01 November 1955 vol 545 cc814-5
2. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made towards the establishment of an industrial health service.

Mr. Watkinson

My right hon. and learned Friend has established an Industrial Health Advisory Committee to advise him on measures to further the development of industrial health services in work places covered by the Factories Acts. Four meetings of this Committee have been held. Priorities for action recommended by the Committee include the stimulation of voluntary medical supervision in a number of industries with serious health hazards; the substitution by industry of harmless or less harmful materials for those that are harmful; the protection of workers from ionising radiations; a campaign against dermatitis; and the intensification of investigation and research into industrial health problems. On the advice of the Committee, a pilot local industrial health survey is being carried out at Halifax, and a second pilot health survey is now being planned.

Dr. Stross

Whilst thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for his reply, may I ask whether he can state what it is envisaged will be done to bring in the general medical practitioner in the areas so that he can play his part?

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Gentleman knows the composition of this Committee, which is a wide one. In these pilot surveys we hope to explore the kind of thing which he has suggested, and that will probably be done in Halifax and in the other centres.

Mr. Gibson

May I ask the Minister whether in these pilot surveys special attention is being given to the dangers of dermatitis in the wood machinery industry, where at the moment it seems to be prevalent.

Mr. Watkinson

I said that dermatitis is one of the special problems which the Committee is looking at, and I will make a note to ensure that we do not miss it in these pilot surveys.