§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of persons suffering from pneumoconiosis, miners' disease, were regis- 2107W tered in 1943 and to the latest date in 1944 in the West Wales area; how many have been examined; what number are now on the waiting list; what steps are being taken to expedite the examinations; and will he state the number who, having been examined, were successful in their claims for compensation and the number unsuccessful.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe number of applications to the Silicosis Medical Board by or on behalf of coalminers in West Wales for certificates of disablement or suspension under the Compensation Schemes for silicosis and pneumoconiosis between the 1st January, 1943, and the 30th April, 1044, was 2,440. The number of certificates issued was 625 and the number refused was 663. The number of cases awaiting examination or decision at the end of April was 1,152. As I explained in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 17th February, I fully recognise the desirability of doing everything possible to cope with the large number of applications received, but the claims on the medical profession at the present time make it very difficult, if not impossible, to secure the services of qualified men who can devote time to this kind of work. Everything is being done by the existing staff of the Medical Board to deal with the applications as expeditiously as possible, but I am afraid that in present circumstances delay is unavoidable.