§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Home Secretary how many men and women have claimed exemption from fire-watching on medical grounds; and what steps are being taken to have their claims examined?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAbout a quarter of a million applications had been dealt with by the tribunals up to February last when the Ministry of Health made available the services of their regional medical officers. A large part of the outstanding cases have been disposed of under these arrangements. In order to relieve the tribunals, I propose shortly to amend the Orders to provide that such applications shall be settled by the regional commissioner on the advice of a medical referee appointed by the Ministry of Labour and National Service.