§ 8. Mr. Stonesasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what special qualifications and training are required by persons appointed to pneumoconiosis panels responsible to his Department for the diagnosis and certification of pneumoconiosis incidental to the coal mining industry.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterPersons appointed to the pneumoconiosis panels will be required to have, in addition to their academic medical qualifications, a sound clinical knowledge of general medicine and special knowledge of chest diseases. On appointment training is given in all the specialised aspects of the work of the panels, including the effects of the various dust hazards in different parts of the country. The doctors also keep in close touch with all the current developments in relation to pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases.
§ Mr. StonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the grave concern in the coalfields regarding the number of miners whose chest complaints have been wrongly diagnosed? Can he assure the House that all persons appointed to the pneumoconiosis medical panels will be given the fullest advantage of all the latest information and knowledge concerning this disease with a view to ensuring proper diagnosis as far as is humanly possible?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI certainly give the hon. Member that assurance. In 1176 addition, he will know that considerable and impressive research work is being undertaken by the Medical Research Council's establishment at Llandough.