37. The Rev. Ll. Williamsasked the Minister of Health the number of industrial establishments which have medical inspectorates attached to them under the auspices of his Department.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNone, Sir.
The Rev. Ll. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that in the older types of industrial area, such as Salford, Warrington and 24 Oldham, the incidence of chronic bronchitis is six times what it is in Eastbourne, and that in the newer type of industrial centre, such as Coventry, the incidence of chronic bronchitis is comparable to a non-industrial city such as Canterbury? In the latter type of new industrial centre, such as Coventry, there is surely a higher rate of medical inspection.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have no statutory responsibility for medical inspectors in industrial establishments. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service is responsible for the medical inspection of factories, although his inspectors are not attached to industrial establishments in terms of the hon. Member's Question.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman not at least aware of the rather disturbing interim report issued to his right hon. Friend concerning the industrial health situation in Halifax, particularly in view of the close link between this matter and the facilities offered by general practitioners? Will he not consider, in conjunction with his right hon. Friend, the importance of encouraging general practitioners to play a much wider part in this type of industrial health work?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am, of course, aware of the report to which the hon. Member refers and I am always happy to discuss these matters with my right hon. Friend. If the hon. Member has any more specific proposals in mind, perhaps he would be good enough to communicate them to me.