§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that ex-miners are being asked to pay a fee of £8 before they can have a third and final examination for the medical board set up by the Government; and whether he will take steps to remove this injustice.
§ Mr. SteeleThe whole question of fees for this purpose is being examined in connection with the new Industrial Injuries Scheme. In the meantime I would like to make it clear that the third examination mentioned by my hon. Friend is in no sense a final one, but if a man who has twice been examined without finding any trace of the disease applies again within a short period the full fee is charged. If, however, he is then certified as suffering from the disease, all except 10s. of the fee is refunded to him.