§ Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he proposes to take any special steps to deal with the large number of applications for certificates of disablement by reason of pneumoconiosis which are outstanding in South Wales;
(2) the number of applications for certificates of disablement by reason of pneumoconiosis which have been made to the South Wales Medical Board; and how many are awaiting decisions?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonSince 1st July last the Medical Board have received 2,213 applications from South Wales coalminers under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Scheme, 1931, or the Coalmining Industry (Pneumoconiosis) Scheme, 1943. In 1,282 of these cases the Board have not yet come to a decision. As from the 1st July last the strength of the Medical Board in South Wales was doubled and further assistance is being given so far as is practicable. I fully recognise the desirability of doing everything possible to cope with the increased work, but my hon. Friend will also recognise that the claims on the medical profession at the present time make it very difficult to secure the services of qualified men who can devote time to this work, and some delay is unavoidable.