HC Deb 12 December 1922 vol 159 cc2637-8W
Mr. SHORT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many who are constantly employed in using pneumatic riveting and caulking machines have their nerves shattered; and whether he will consider placing same in the schedule of industrial diseases?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Inquiry into the effects on the nerves from the use of pneumatic tools was made by the Departmental Committee on Compensation for Industrial Diseases, but no evidence was obtained of the existence of any nervous disease so caused which incapacitates from employment. If the hon. Member can furnish me with particulars of actual instances of work-men who have been disabled by definite nervous disease attributable to the use of such machines, the matter will be further investigated.

Mr. A. T. DAVIES

asked the Minister of Labour whether any inquiry has been made as to the deleterious results to the health of workmen required to use pneumatic rivetting and caulking hammers; whether be is aware that considerable numbers of such workmen are forbidden on medical advice to use such tools; and whether inquiry will be instituted with a view to placing workers whose nervous systems and constitutions have been seriously affected by such tools on the list as suffering from an industrial disease?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I would refer to the reply given to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Short).