§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Home Secretary whether the members of the medical board for silicosis and asbestosis are recognised as permanent appointments and thus entitled to Civil Service privileges and pension rights; the number engaged each year from 1925 to date, and the conditions of service of the new medical appointments now about to be made?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe medical board is established under the Silicosis and Asbestosis (Medical Arrangements) Scheme 1931, which was made under Section 2 of the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis and Asbestosis) Act, 1930. It comprises eight full-time medical officers working in four panels, under a chief medical officer. The board is appointed by the Secretary of State and is directly responsible to him. The appointments are for a definite term but are capable of renewal and are subject to termination at the discretion of the Secretary of State. The members are not established civil servants and have no pension rights. There have been no changes in the personnel of the board since it was appointed in 1931. The conditions of service of any new appointments which may be found necessary will be the same) as the existing appointments.