HC Deb 20 July 1956 vol 556 c118W
Mr. G. Longden

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that 1 million people are away from work every day owing to sickness, and his belief that some of the causes of this sickness rate can be removed, he will consider encouraging on-the-spot facilities for physical treatment in industrial establishments in order to relieve the strain on hospital out-patient departments and reduce the time spent by workers waiting for treatment in hospital.

Mr. Iain Macleod

My policy of encouraging medical supervision in factories has prevention of sickness in view and not treatment other than emergency or first-aid treatment. Any proposals for new arrangements for the treatment of sickness would require consideration within the context of the services provided under the National Health Service Acts.