§ 42. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many employers and workers still mistakenly believe that industrial dermatitis is contagious; if he is satisfied that the officers in employment exchanges are fully aware that there is no such possibility of infection; and what steps will be taken in the campaign against dermatitis.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am aware that misapprehensions about industrial dermatitis may still exist among some employers and workers although the position is made clear in a poster issued by my Factory Department. I am satisfied that the officers concerned in employment exchanges with persons disabled by dermatitis are aware of the facts. The Chief Inspector of Factories has revised and re-issued a leaflet and a poster containing advice on prevention, and further measures to stimulate the interest of employers and workers in the need for precautions are now under consideration.
Special visits are paid to factories where dermatitis is known to be a particular problem and inquiries are being made into the risk of dermatitis from certain substances. Attention is also being paid to the problem in the course of the pilot local industrial health survey now in progress in Halifax.
§ Dr. StrossIn view of the Minister's known intention to conduct a national campaign about dermatitis, has he considered the new information on a drug called hydro-cortisone, ointments of which, although, I believe, very expensive, are said to cure most of these lesions within a very few days?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am obliged to the hon. Member for telling me about it.