§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary who is responsible for appointing members of the area medical boards to deal with silicosis cases; what special qualifications they possess; the terms of their appointment; and whether any 1346W member of these medical boards can act for employers in other compensation cases?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe area panels of the medical board are appointed by the Secretary of State. They are whole-time salaried officers and are not free to act for employers or workmen. In a few districts in which cases occasionally arise and which are not conveniently served by the panels, special doctors are appointed to act in conjunction with a whole-time member when necessary. The terms of appointment of these doctors would not preclude their acting for an employer or workman in some compensation case, but a report or certificate under the scheme cannot be issued except with the authority of at least two members of the board. The special qualifications of the members consist partly of their previous experience of respiratory diseases, in the light of which they are appointed, and partly of the knowledge and experience gained by constant examinations under the schemes in consultation with their colleagues.