Miss Wardasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider appointing independent medical referees to whom application can be made for a decision where there is a difference of opinion between a panel doctor and a works doctor on the physical ability of a worker to continue in employment?
§ Mr. BevinAfter consultation with the British Medical Association and local medical war committees, I have appointed independent medical referees who, among other things, examine workers who seek permission on medical grounds to leave employment which is scheduled under an Essential Work Order, but cannot produce satisfactory medical evidence. I am arranging also for these medical referees to examine workers in certain circumstances where the employers wish to discharge them on medical grounds.