§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if, following her discussions with the Trades Union Congress, she will seek to hold an independent inquiry into the medical arrangements applied in the case of those who suffer from pneumoconiosis, into the increased danger of bronchitis and emphysema, and the implementation of the undertaking to consider the introduction of machinery for appeals against medical decisions on diagnosis in cases of claims made by those who suffer or have suffered from pneumoconiosis and byssinosis.
§ Miss HerbisonI have carefully considered the points put to me, but I do not think that an independent inquiry would assist me in discharging my responsibilities for the medical arrangements under the Industrial Injuries Acts. The question of the machinery for appeals is one on which I am in consultation with the Trades Union Congress.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she will seek to arrange consultations with the Trades Union Congress, the National Union of Mineworkers, and representatives of the pottery workers and foundry workers, with a view to introducing measures to deal with pneumoconiosis, bronchitis and emphysema.
§ Miss HerbisonI am already aware of the views of the various organisations referred to by my hon. Friend through my consultation with the T.U.C., who have discussed these matters with me.
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§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what representations she has received from the Stoke-on-Trent City Coroner. Mr. F. G. Hales, on his experience in dealing with men and women who have died through pneumoconiosis, directly or indirectly, cardiac failure accelerated by pneumoconiosis, and about those who have been denied insurance benefits, including widows; and what reply she has sent.
§ Miss HerbisonI have been unable to trace any such representations.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what representations she has received from Dr. P. Stock, City General Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, on measures to provide relief and reduce the suffering of those people who have contracted pneumoconiosis or who suffer from bronchitis and emphysema, pending the preparation of a long-term policy.
§ Miss HerbisonI have been unable to trace any such representations.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she will consult the Ministers of Health and Labour with a view to a joint symposium for the purpose of deciding a short-term and long-term policy applicable to those who suffer from pneumoconiosis, bronchitis and emphysema, such symposium to consist of eminent authorities and Her Majesty's factory inspectors.
§ Miss HerbisonI share my hon. Friend's concern about these diseases and I am giving the closest attention to the problems they raise for the schemes for which I am responsible but I do not think that a general meeting of the sort suggested would help to advance matters. No doubt my colleagues will also have noted my hon. Friend's views.