Mr. J. Hillasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she is satisfied with the composition of the Pneumoconiosis Board, in view of the fact that many miners are certified by their general practitioners and by hospital X-rays, but when examined by the board are refused a pension; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesThe diagnosis of pneumoconiosis for the purposes of the Industrial Injuries Act raises difficult medical considerations and I am aware that diferences of opinion sometimes occur. The doctors of the Pneumoconiosis Medical Boards are specially qualified and by the nature of their duties have a wide and almost unique experience of the disease. In coming to their decisions they take account not only of the results of their own clinical and radiological examinations, but also of the claimant's medical and occupational history together with reports and opinion, from any hospital or chest clinic he has attended.