§ Mr. CLARKEasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the fact that spirochetosis ictero-hæmorragica has now been made a notifiable disease by Regulation of the Board, he will consider the advisability of having it included under the industrial diseases Clause of the Compensation Act?
Mr. DAVIESMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I understand that this disease is not notifiable in England, but that as a result of a recent outbreak in East Lothian it has been made notifiable in Scotland by an Order of the Scottish Board of Health. Before a disease can be scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Act, it must be shown to be due to the nature of some employment and to be so specific to that employment that its origin can be established in individual cases. On my present information the disease in question would not appear to come within this category, but I shall be prepared to consider the point further when I have obtained a fuller report.