Mr. Henry Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reviewed the operation of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1943, in regard to cases of pneumoconiosis and silicosis that have appeared before the Medical Board in the North Midland Region; if he will give the number of cases that have received a certificate and the number turned down; and has he any information to give as to the number of cases that have made application under the benefit scheme.
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§ Mr. H. MorrisonSince 1st July, 1943, when the Pneumoconiosis Compensation and Benefit Schemes came into operation, the Medical Board have granted certificates of disablement or suspension in two cases under the Compensation Schemes in the North Midland Region and refused 25. One death was certified to have been caused by the disease and one was certified not to have been so caused. Six applications have been dealt with under the Benefit Scheme in the same area, five in respect of disablement and one death. In none of these cases was a certificate granted. The Medical Board's decision for purposes of a claim to compensation or benefit are conclusive and are not subject to review.