§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of cases of industrial dermatitis reported under a system of voluntary notification has increased from 2,000 in 1938 to 5,000 in 1940, and as more than 50 per cent. of occupational diseases are due to industrial dermatitis, thus causing serious absenteeism, is he satisfied that sufficient use is made of specialist diagnosis and treatment of reported cases; whether he will consider making dermatitis a notifiable disease, and providing for early specialist attention not furnished by the present practice?
§ Mr. BevinI am advised that it is not necessary to make industrial dermatitis a notifiable disease for the purpose of securing proper preventive measures in the factories or proper initial attention there to the cases which arise. The greater part of my hon. Friend's Question relates to the subsequent treatment of the cases, and this is a matter which primarily concerns my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.