HC Deb 29 June 1976 vol 914 cc169-70
1. Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the light of the views expressed by the National Insurance Commissioner in paragraph 10 of Decision No. R (I) 14/75, now published as a guideline that a medical appeal tribunal is not a forum for discussion of the employers' system of work or the conditions in the factory, chemicals used, &c., whether or not the process in the factory had been changed, he will take action to amend the powers of medical appeal tribunals.

The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. Stanley Orme)

I do not think there is any evi- dence to suggest that medical appeal tribunals lack the powers necessary to discharge their statutory responsibilities, but if any were to be forthcoming. I would certainly be prepared to look at it.

Miss Richardson

I am grateful for the sympathetic response of my right hon. Friend. I am sure he will he aware that I am raising this not because it concerns a constituent of mine but because it forms a guideline. Does he agree that if medical appeal tribunals were allowed to point to factory conditions that might be producing new diseases it might be helpful in terms of safety and in terms of the discovery of new diseases? Will he say whether he will keep his eye on the position to make sure that action is taken at the appropriate time?

Mr. Orme

Questions relating to industrial health and safety hazards are the responsibility of the Health and Safety Commission. I would always be willing to consider asking the Industrial Advisory Council for advice whether additions should be made to the list of prescribed diseases.

Mr. Loyden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the point being made by my hon. Friend is that tribunals, in that sense, might form a link between industrial diseases and the very vague situation that may arise after the time of contact? Is he aware that in the docks industry, where every poison and dangerous material is handled, there is certainly a vagueness about health and safety measures? The point that my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) is making is that tribunals could well play a positive rôle in this connection.

Mr. Orme

I have looked at the work of the tribunals in this regard and I do not believe that they are unsympathetic. They can point the way in certain cases but, of course, they cannot base a judgment on one case alone. They have to have several cases in order to have the matter looked at.