Clinics.

Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Industry. – in the House of Commons am ar 4 Gorffennaf 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Tom Smith Mr Tom Smith , Normanton

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the clinics for the treatment of rheumatism and other diseases in the Durham coalfields are giving satisfaction; and if the extension of such clinics to other mining areas is contemplated?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham, Ladywood

The proposal to build and equip a rheumatism clinic at Horden Colliery Baths by means of grants from the Miners' Welfare Fund has not yet been carried out, as it has had to await the settlement of financial questions by those concerned locally. I hope these difficulties will soon be overcome. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that this is the only clinic at present contemplated by the Miners' Welfare Committee.

Photo of Mr Tom Smith Mr Tom Smith , Normanton

If these clinics are a success from the point of view of improving health, will the Secretary for Mines see to it that no delay takes place in extending such clinics to other coalfields?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham, Ladywood

This clinic is regarded as an experiment from the point of view of making its application more widely extended.

Photo of Mr Tom Smith Mr Tom Smith , Normanton

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether reference will be made to this matter in his annual report?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham, Ladywood

Yes, Sir, I will consider it.

Mr. Shin well:

Will the hon. Gentleman do everything he can to encourage the institution of this clinic in the Durham coalfield, and does he also appreciate the desirability of encouraging similar work elsewhere?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham, Ladywood

I think that it is a very interesting development, and I have strong hopes that the difficulties which have arisen will speedily be got over.

Photo of Mr Jack Lawson Mr Jack Lawson , Chester-le-Street

Can the hon. Gentleman say that the preliminary reports on this matter are very satisfactory, and that where this system is employed the men are very glad to take advantage of it?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham, Ladywood

Yes, Sir, I think that that may well be the case.